The Democratic primary for New York City mayor is narrowing into a high-stakes battle between former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani — a dangerous socialist and pro-Hamas radical — according to new internal polling highlighted by VIN News.

A poll commissioned by Mamdani’s far-left supporters and conducted by Data for Progress shows Cuomo leading Mamdani by just two points in the final round of ranked-choice voting (51% to 49%), a statistical tie. Meanwhile, Cuomo’s internal poll, conducted by Expedition Strategies and reported by VIN News, shows the former governor with a more comfortable 12-point edge (56%-44%). Both surveys find all other Democratic contenders polling in the low single digits.

As VIN News has documented, Mamdani — who has openly aligned himself with anti-Israel rhetoric and policies — is gaining momentum through a campaign fueled by radical demands on housing and wealth redistribution. The dangerous socialist was recently endorsed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another far-left figure known for her pro-BDS stances and hostility toward America’s closest Middle East ally. Among voters familiar with him, Mamdani boasts a 58-15 favorability rating, though 28% of likely voters admit they still don’t know enough about him.

Cuomo, VIN News notes, continues to draw strength from older voters and the city’s Black community, who value his steady hand and executive experience in contrast to Mamdani’s extremism. While Cuomo highlights his record of leadership and public safety, Mamdani’s campaign is relying on the so-called “DREAM” strategy — urging voters to leave Cuomo off their ranked-choice ballots altogether.

With early voting beginning Saturday and the primary set for June 24, VIN News reports that the Cuomo campaign has gone on offense, slamming Mamdani for his soft-on-crime policies and radical tax agenda. In response, Mamdani attempted to downplay the shift in tone: “His decision to start focusing on me shows that he is scared — scared that a 40-point lead has become single digits.”

But VIN News warns that Mamdani’s rise should not be underestimated. As a far-left agitator who has voiced support for anti-Israel narratives and policies, his candidacy signals a dangerous shift in New York politics. Cuomo’s supporters argue that electing Mamdani would not only imperil public safety and economic stability — but also align the city with extremist ideologies out of touch with everyday New Yorkers.