Cuomo Faces Tough Challenge in NYC Mayor’s Race Amid Early Voting Trends

By Jim Mishler | Saturday, 01 November 2025 11:27 AM EDT

Pollster John McLaughlin stated that in the New York City mayor’s race, a high voter turnout is likely to benefit former Governor Andrew Cuomo. McLaughlin noted on “America Right Now” that “the bigger turnout will favor Cuomo. The question is whether it will be enough.”

Cuomo is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to self-described democratic socialist candidate and state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who holds a significant double-digit lead in most polls. Republican Curtis Sliwa remains in the single digits. McLaughlin suggested Sliwa’s decision to act as a spoiler rather than a kingmaker could have altered the race’s dynamics.

Sliwa has declined appeals from political advocates urging him to exit the race and direct his supporters toward Cuomo. McLaughlin highlighted that early voting in New York indicates Cuomo faces considerable challenges against Mamdani. While some polls show a narrowing one-on-one race, such as the Atlas poll, which McLaughlin described as leaning Republican, the overall average still places Cuomo in the 30s and Mamdani in the 40s.

McLaughlin attributed increased early voter turnout for Republicans in areas surrounding New York and into New Jersey to conservative concerns about a potential Mamdani victory. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently contributed $5 million to super PACs opposing Mamdani, becoming the largest individual donor in the race. The funds supported Cuomo’s independent campaign and efforts against Mamdani’s bid for mayor.

Bloomberg’s donations included $1.5 million to the super PAC Fix the City and $3.5 million to the new group For Our City, reflecting heightened outside spending as the general election nears. In endorsing Cuomo, Bloomberg emphasized the former governor’s “experience and toughness” as critical qualities for addressing New York’s “immense challenges.”