Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is leading the pack in a potential Democratic mayoral field, according to a recent third-party poll. Despite not officially entering the race yet, Cuomo garnered 32 percent of likely Democratic voters’ support in a ranked-choice election scenario. Following him were other contenders such as former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, former Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr., and state Sen. Jessica Ramos.
The poll, conducted between Dec. 16 and Dec. 22, highlighted Cuomo’s name recognition advantage but also pointed out his high negatives compared to other candidates. While Cuomo emerged as the front-runner in the survey, the race is still in its early stages, with candidates waiting for matching funds and TV ads to kick off their campaigns.
One of the key takeaways from the poll was the performance of Mayor Eric Adams, whose support remained stagnant at 8 percent throughout the ranked-choice rounds, eventually leading to his elimination. Adams, who won the 2021 mayoral election through ranked-choice voting, could face challenges in a crowded field with contenders like Cuomo.
The survey, commissioned by Progressives for Democracy in America, aimed to assess the state of the Democratic primary for mayor and gauge the competitiveness of candidates against Cuomo. With Adams’ support dwindling and facing legal challenges, Cuomo’s entry into the race could further complicate the dynamics of the campaign.
Despite his resignation as governor in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations, Cuomo has been hinting at a potential mayoral run. His overlapping voter base with Adams, particularly among Black, orthodox Jewish, and Latino communities, could pose a significant challenge to the current mayor’s re-election bid.
While Adams touts his administration’s accomplishments in navigating the city through the COVID-19 crisis and addressing public safety concerns, Cuomo’s presence in the race could shift the narrative. His opponents, including Stringer and Lander, have already signaled their intention to challenge Cuomo on his past controversies and scandals.
As the race unfolds, voters will have to weigh the candidates’ track records and policy proposals. The negative perceptions of certain candidates, including Adams and Cuomo, could influence the final outcome of the Democratic primary for mayor. With the primary scheduled for June 24, the race is expected to intensify as candidates ramp up their campaigns and engage with voters across the city.
