New bombshell NYC mayoral poll shows Andrew Cuomo within striking distance of far-left frontrunner Zohran Mamdani — Republican dropout reshapes the race overnight
A new Gotham Poll has stunned the New York political world, revealing former Governor Andrew Cuomo is suddenly back in contention for the city’s top job. The October poll, obtained by the New York Post, shows Cuomo closing in fast on progressive frontrunner Zohran Mamdani in a potential one-on-one matchup, signaling a dramatic twist in what had been considered a predictable race.
According to the results, if Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa withdraws, the race between Cuomo and Mamdani would become a virtual dead heat — with 44.6% of voters backing Mamdani and 40.7% supporting Cuomo. The narrow gap falls within the poll’s four-point margin of error, effectively placing the two candidates neck and neck. It’s a comeback few anticipated for a former governor once written off by political insiders, yet Cuomo’s name is suddenly reappearing on serious voters’ radars.
The shift comes as voters grow weary of ideological extremes and look for a more stable, familiar face to steer New York through its economic and crime crises. Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist representing Astoria in the State Assembly, has built his campaign around sweeping progressive reforms like rent cancellation, higher taxes on the wealthy, and major cuts to policing budgets. But while his message has energized younger and far-left voters, it’s alienating moderates who want safety, order, and economic recovery — something Cuomo’s record, however controversial, still represents for many.
Curtis Sliwa’s role in the race remains pivotal. A longtime Republican activist and founder of the Guardian Angels, Sliwa commands a passionate base among law-and-order conservatives. But the Gotham Poll shows that if he were to bow out, most of his supporters would shift toward Cuomo — not Mamdani. That dynamic, analysts say, could completely reshape the field. “Cuomo’s comeback becomes very real if Sliwa steps aside,” one strategist told the Post. “A united anti-left vote makes Mamdani suddenly vulnerable.”
For Cuomo, the numbers mark the latest sign of political rehabilitation after years in the shadows. Since leaving the governor’s office, he’s slowly rebuilt public visibility — appearing on local TV, attending community events, and discussing policy in ways that remind voters of his seasoned leadership during past crises. While his opponents still invoke old controversies, Cuomo’s allies argue that his executive experience and centrist approach now make him the most credible counterweight to the far-left momentum sweeping the city.
Political observers also see the poll as a reflection of voter fatigue with divisive politics. “New Yorkers are pragmatic,” a longtime Democratic consultant said. “They don’t want experiments. They want results. That’s why Cuomo’s reemergence feels less like nostalgia and more like common sense.”
The Gotham Poll has injected fresh energy into a race that had seemed all but decided. Mamdani’s team remains confident, insisting their grassroots base will carry him to victory, but internal Democratic chatter suggests growing concern. The former governor’s favorability ratings are climbing faster than expected — especially among older voters and independents who once abandoned him.
Behind the scenes, Cuomo’s circle is reportedly exploring next steps carefully. Insiders say the former governor won’t announce a formal decision until after the holiday season, preferring to watch how the numbers evolve as the city’s economic outlook worsens and public safety concerns dominate headlines.
If Cuomo officially enters the race and Sliwa’s supporters rally behind him, the 2025 New York City mayoral contest could become one of the most dramatic political comebacks in modern urban history. For a man once counted out, the prospect of going from scandal to redemption in America’s biggest city would mark a stunning reversal — and another reminder that in politics, nothing is ever truly over.
