Zohran Mamdani’s Lead Narrows in Tight New York City Mayoral Race
As New York City heads into its final hours before Election Day, Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani’s once-comfortable lead in the mayoral race appears to be shrinking rapidly. Fresh polling shows that what was once a double-digit advantage has narrowed to just a few percentage points, turning the contest into one of the most closely watched races in the country. The outcome could make history if Mamdani becomes the city’s first Muslim mayor.
According to a new Atlas Poll conducted among 1,500 likely voters, Mamdani holds 40% support, followed by Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo at 34%, and Republican Curtis Sliwa trailing with 24%. Mamdani’s current six-point edge marks his narrowest margin since July, signaling growing momentum for his challengers. A New York Post report notes that the race has tightened substantially over the past month. While a Fox News poll earlier projected a 24-point lead for Mamdani, the latest Suffolk University poll shows that margin cut to just 10 points, underscoring the volatility of the race.
Political analysts believe Curtis Sliwa could play a decisive role in determining the final outcome. Data from the Suffolk University Political Research Center reveals that most of Sliwa’s supporters, when asked for a second-choice candidate, favored Cuomo over Mamdani. This trend suggests that Sliwa’s voter base could tip the balance if turnout shifts unexpectedly in the final stretch. Although Mamdani remains the statistical frontrunner, experts caution that his lead is far from secure.
The tightening race has drawn intense national attention, not only for its potential to reshape New York’s political leadership but also for its broader implications within the Democratic Party. Voter turnout is expected to be the deciding factor on November 4, with both campaigns ramping up last-minute efforts to mobilize supporters across the city’s five boroughs.
With polls showing a narrowing gap, the New York City mayoral race is heading toward a dramatic and unpredictable finish. The result will determine whether Zohran Mamdani can make history—or if a late surge from Andrew Cuomo or Curtis Sliwa will change the city’s political course.
