Political dynamics in New York City are evolving as prominent Democrats start to support Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign. Speaker Carl Heastie, a key figure from the Bronx, is anticipated to endorse Mamdani, following Governor Kathy Hochul’s unexpected endorsement of the socialist candidate. According to the New York Post, a source close to Heastie has described his endorsement as "imminent."
A new Marist poll now gives Mamdani a commanding lead, with 45% of the vote among the cohort of candidates. The poll places former Governor Andrew Cuomo a distant second at 24%, with Curtis Sliwa in third with 17%, and the current Mayor Eric Adams trailing at 9%. If the race narrows to pit just Mamdani against Cuomo, 49% of likely voters would opt to support Mamdani, as opposed to the 39% favoring Cuomo, as reported by ABC 7 New York.
These figures come in the wake of Hochul's endorsement which appears to have shifted political momentum toward Mamdani. Despite what some might see as a significant polling gap, Mayor Adams remains determined. As he explained to ABC 7 New York, "We have not done one TV ad, not one mailing, we have just started knocking on doors." Adams remains committed to the race, asserting, "there is still time for a comeback,” reflecting a not yet fully mobilized campaign on his part.
When asked about the possible impact of her endorsement on other leading Democrats, Governor Hochul stated, "others will have to make their own decisions for their own reasons." Following her endorsement, Speaker Heastie has indicated support for Mamdani, in a statement obtained by ABC 7 New York.
