The outcome of New York City’s 2025 mayoral race underscored a clear generational and demographic divide among voters. Exit polls revealed that Zohran Mamdani’s support came largely from recent arrivals, younger residents, and a diverse, college-educated electorate—distinct from the long-term New Yorkers who favored Andrew Cuomo.
Voters’ length of residence in the city proved a key factor. Those who had moved to New York within the past five years overwhelmingly supported Mamdani, giving him 85% of their votes compared with 14% for Cuomo. Support remained high among residents who had lived in the city for up to a decade, but among lifelong New Yorkers, Cuomo led with 49% while Mamdani captured 38%.
Religion further divided the electorate. Protestants and Catholics tended to side with Cuomo, while voters from other faiths and those with no religious affiliation favored Mamdani by wide margins.
The data also reveal that many of Mamdani’s supporters were first-time voters or individuals who skipped the 2021 election, emphasizing how an influx of new and politically engaged residents helped reshape New York City’s political landscape.
