Mamdani Leads as Cuomo Gains Endorsements

With early voting underway ahead of Nov. 4, Democratic socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani leads the New York City mayoral race in multiple polls (Emerson 50%–25%; Quinnipiac 43%–33%) and remains the frontrunner. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, has mounted a late comeback, picking up cross‑party endorsements from Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, Rep. Tom Suozzi and outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and gaining a modest polling bump. The race has attracted heavy outside spending from billionaire‑funded super PACs such as Fix the City and Defend NYC, with dozens of ultrawealthy donors—led in part by Michael Bloomberg—pouring tens of millions into pro‑Cuomo groups. Mamdani is campaigning on expanded services, a proposed 2% tax on incomes over $1 million, and rhetoric opposing concentrated wealth, while some anti‑Mamdani campaigns have used divisive tactics including anti‑Muslim rhetoric. Analysts say Mamdani’s coalition of younger and Black voters and his core messaging have kept him in a strong position, but a small and possibly growing share of undecided voters means the final outcome could hinge on late deciders.