Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has yet to declare he is running in the 2025 NYC mayoral race, continues to dominate the Democratic primary field in yet another poll released Tuesday, as reports suggest he could announce a bid as soon as this weekend.
The former governor, who resigned in 2021 amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct that he denies, has a 26% advantage over the rest of the Democratic mayoral candidates — a new poll conducted by the Honan Strategy Group found.
Additionally, as petitioning to get on the Democratic primary ballot gets underway on Tuesday, the New York Times reported that Cuomo could announce his campaign this weekend or next week.
According to the survey of 1,214 Democratic primary voters conducted between Feb. 22 and 23, Cuomo leads the pack with 38% of the vote. Democratic Socialist Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani (Queens) comes in second with 12%, and Mayor Eric Adams comes in third with 10%.
Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azzopardi declined to comment when amNewYork Metro contacted him Tuesday.
The survey was commissioned by Tusk Strategies, according to the NY Post. Chris Coffey, the political consulting firm’s CEO has been making calls on Cuomo’s behalf, Politico reported.
Mamdani performed better than he has in any past survey, indicating his star may be on the rise. The Assembly Member has shown particular strength in fundraising, having unlocked $2.82 million in public matching funds last week.
“Our relentless focus on economic agenda to address the crushing cost of living is resonating across New York City: in the thousands of volunteers who’ve already knocked on more than 55,000 doors, in the largest fundraising haul from more individuals donors than every other campaign combined, and now in polling that shows us in second place with four months to election day,” Mamdani said in a statement to amNewYork Metro. “We have the momentum.”
Adams continues to trail in the polls despite his incumbent status. He hardly has a campaign apparatus to speak of and is dogged by a barrage of fresh calls for his ouster following the Trump Justice Department moving to drop his federal charges.
Yet, during a Tuesday news conference, Adams said his reelection campaign is full steam ahead.
“I’m running. Petitions will be on the streets, so if you see one with my name on it, please sign it,” he said.
Coming after Adams in the poll were City Comptroller Brad Lander with 7%, his predecessor Scott Stringer with 5%, and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams — who is not a declared candidate — with just 2%.
Cuomo, has consistently led the pack in several public polls released over the past few weeks. Although Cuomo has not officially entered the race, he is widely considered to be the immediate frontrunner if and when he announces.
The former governor is also beginning to pull in support from elected officials and labor groups, with US Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) endorsing his prospective candidacy on Monday. Politico reported that the District Council of Carpenters is also set to back Cuomo.
The other candidates in the field have already been launching attacks on Cuomo’s record, including the scandals that brought his administration down.
Cuomo’s looming candidacy has also sent some elected officials and labor leaders scrambling for an alternative who could challenge his role as a moderate candidate with a well of support among Black voters. Pols, including state Attorney General Letitia James and leaders of unions, including District Council 37, see Speaker Adams as that candidate and have been urging her to join the race, as amNewYork Metro and others have reported.
