Democratic mayoral primary winner and New York state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is the clear frontrunner in a new poll released on Monday in the race to be the city’s new mayor.
Why It Matters
Mamdani’s surge to be the face of the Democratic Party in New York City has intensified debate over the future direction of the party as a whole, as his platform sharply contrasts with those of more centrist and establishment-aligned figures.
Mamdani has taken a more aggressive approach than many establishment Democrats—who have historically championed incremental reforms and avoided expansive tax policies targeting high-earners. The New York City frontrunner has proposed increasing taxes on residents earning more than $1 million annually, raising corporate tax rates and implementing a citywide rent freeze. These positions are central to his campaign, which he has framed around affordability, housing justice and public investment in services such as free child care and public transportation.
As Mamdani awaits critical Democratic backing from party leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, he sat down with business leaders in July, where he said he would discourage the phrase “globalize the intifada,” according to The New York Times, citing three people familiar with discussions.
What To Know
In the poll—taken on August 11—Mamdani secured nearly 42 percent of the vote compared to former Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 23 percent and current Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ nearly 9 percent…