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By: Nick Carraway
A recent poll suggests that former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo could face significant challenges if he decides to run for mayor of New York City, yet he would still emerge as the frontrunner. Conducted by United for a Brighter Tomorrow from January 29 to February 3, the survey of likely Democratic voters found Cuomo leading the pack with 31% support, well ahead of current Mayor Eric Adams, who polled at 12%.
However, when voters were presented with negative statements about Cuomo’s scandals and policy decisions, his support dropped to 19%. The poll, covered by the New York Post, highlights how Cuomo’s political past could impact his potential campaign.
Cuomo, who has both strong support and notable unfavorability ratings among Democratic voters (45% favorable versus 47% unfavorable), led the field that included former and current city comptrollers Scott Stringer and Brad Lander, who each polled at 11%, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani at 9%, and State Senator Jessica Ramos at 7%.
Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was a point of contention among respondents. While 62% approved of his pandemic response, 32% disapproved. The poll also examined voters’ reactions to various controversies, including allegations of sexual harassment, his administration’s handling of nursing home deaths, his lucrative book deal, and his support for bail reform.
Participants were presented with statements that did not explicitly name Cuomo but referenced a candidate accused of sexual harassment by over a dozen women, misleading the public about nursing home fatalities, and pushing for bail reform. After hearing these points, 66% of those surveyed viewed Cuomo unfavorably.
Specifically, respondents were reminded that Cuomo resigned as governor after 13 women accused him of sexual harassment. Additionally, a statement highlighted his administration’s policy of requiring nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients, which critics argue contributed to thousands of deaths. Other statements focused on his backing of bail reform and congestion pricing in Manhattan, both of which have been contentious issues.
Following these revelations, Cuomo’s support fell from 30% to 19%. Adams saw a slight increase to 14%, while Stringer, Lander, Mamdani, and Ramos saw modest gains. Notably, Cuomo’s support declined significantly among Black and Latino working-class voters, as well as Jewish voters, where he had already trailed Stringer and Lander.
Despite the poll results, Cuomo’s team dismissed the findings, with spokesperson Richard Azzopardi calling it a “push poll” designed to smear the former governor. Azzopardi pointed out that even after the negative framing, Cuomo still led the race, arguing that real-world polling showed his support growing despite attacks from progressive groups.
If Cuomo does enter the race, his campaign is prepared to highlight his record, including raising wages, implementing major infrastructure projects like the Second Avenue Subway and Moynihan Train Hall, passing strict gun control measures, and codifying abortion protections in New York law.
With the Democratic primary set for June 24, the race remains unpredictable. The poll, which surveyed 800 likely Democratic voters, has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.
