A Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday, March 5th, revealed that former Governor Andrew Cuomo holds a significant lead in the New York City mayoral race, while Mayor Eric Adams’ approval rating has plummeted to a record low of 20%. The poll also found that 56% of voters believe Adams should resign, marking a steep decline in public confidence amid ongoing federal corruption allegations.
Cuomo, who officially entered the race on March 1st, leads the Democratic primary field with 31% support, compared to Adams’ 11%. This places him 20 points ahead of the incumbent mayor, despite Cuomo only being in the race for a few days. Months of speculation as to whether or not Cuomo would run a mayoral campaign saw massive support from the public in a variety of polls even before entering. Other candidates include Zohran Mamdani (8%), Jumaane Williams (7%), Scott Stringer (6%), Brad Lander (5%), and Jessica Ramos (4%). Additionally, 16% of voters remain undecided, making their support crucial in the upcoming June 24 primary.
The poll highlights deep dissatisfaction with Adams’ leadership, particularly among Democrats (78% disapproval) and independents (63% disapproval). His approval ratings on crime (30%), budget management (21%), and handling of immigration (24%) all remain underwater. Furthermore, only 18% of voters believe Adams is honest and trustworthy, while 69% disagree—his lowest ratings since taking office.
Adams’ declining popularity is linked to ongoing federal corruption charges, which have become a national controversy. 40% of voters believe Adams did something illegal, while 31% say he acted unethically but not illegally. His legal battle has further divided public opinion, with 63% opposing dropping the charges, despite the Trump administration’s Justice Department moving to dismiss them.
The poll also revealed that a majority (56%) of voters want Adams to resign, with 72% of Democrats supporting his departure. However, Governor Kathy Hochul has stated she will allow the election to determine his fate.
As Adams struggles with legal and political challenges, Cuomo remains the dominant figure in the race. Despite stepping down as governor in 2021 due to sexual harassment allegations, Cuomo’s strong moderate Democratic support positions him as the frontrunner. With months remaining until the primary, undecided voters will play a critical role in shaping the final outcome of this high-stakes election.
