A poll released by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, conducted between June 9 and 12, showed Cuomo leading 55 percent to 45 percent over Mamdani in the seventh round of a ranked-choice voting simulation. City Comptroller Brad Lander was eliminated in the sixth round with 13 percent support, while all other candidates remained in single digits.
When undecided voters were included, Cuomo still led Mamdani, 43 percent to 35 percent.
While Cuomo remains ahead, the gap has shrunk significantly from last month, when he held a 24-point lead over Mamdani. The latest results show that the race has effectively become a two-man contest, a report by Politico noted.
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has gained momentum through a high-profile advertising campaign and radical policy proposals, including aggressive rent control measures. He has also taken direct aim at Cuomo’s political record, frequently highlighting the scandals that led to Cuomo's resignation as governor.
Mamdani has also secured high-profile endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.
Despite the shift in momentum, Cuomo continues to enjoy strong support. The former governor also maintains a strong lead among black and Jewish voters. Mamdani, meanwhile, has faced criticism for his stance on Israel. A super PAC aligned with Cuomo has launched television ads attacking Mamdani on that issue.
Early voting is underway, and among early ballots cast, the race is even tighter, with Mamdani trailing Cuomo by just 5 points.
