A new poll circulating this week suggests that one in four New York City residents — 26.5% — are considering leaving the city if Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani wins next month’s mayoral election. The finding underscores the deep political and cultural divide shaping what many describe as the city’s most ideologically charged mayoral contest in decades.
According to the poll, 68.4% of respondents said they would remain in the city if Mamdani is elected, while 5.2% were undecided. The survey also reported that 39% of respondents believe Mamdani “is a threat to the future of the city.” No details about the poll’s methodology, sample size, or margin of error were released, prompting some experts to caution against drawing broad conclusions.
Despite the skepticism, the data highlights growing anxiety among certain segments of the electorate as the November 4 vote approaches. Mamdani — a 34-year-old state assemblyman and the Democratic nominee — has drawn both passionate support and opposition for his progressive agenda, which includes aggressive housing reform, expanded tenant protections, and reallocation of police funding toward community services.
A Divisive Figure in a Divided City
Mamdani’s critics, including many conservatives and moderates, argue that his policies would worsen crime, overregulation, and affordability challenges.
Mamdani’s supporters reject their concerns, dismissing them as fearmongering. They point to his record in the state assembly, where he has championed affordable housing, workers’ rights, and investments in public transit, though the outcomes of his efforts are debatable.
Mamdani’s average approval rating of 2.996 out of 5, according to the same source, places him ahead of both former Governor Andrew Cuomo (2.40) and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa (2.72) — suggesting that despite the controversy, he retains a significant base of support.
A Broader Political Battle
Mamdani’s rise represents a growing shift within New York politics, where progressive candidates have gained traction by running on messages of “economic equity” and social reform. His campaign was endorsed early on by prominent national figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, while establishment Democrats — including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — have only recently offered public support.
The backlash has been fierce. Republican leaders have framed Mamdani’s platform as evidence of a broader left-wing takeover of the Democratic Party, warning of an exodus of businesses and taxpayers from the city if he wins.
With early voting set to begin this weekend, Mamdani remains widely expected to prevail in the general election. If he does, he would become the first openly socialist mayor of New York City in nearly a century — a symbolic milestone for progressives, and a point of alarm for conservatives.
READ NEXT: House Minority Leader Endorses Mamdani Right Before Early Voting Begins
I do not understand why so many today think that socialism is a postive option. It has never worked. I also do not understant why so many writers today refer to the Democrat Party as the Democratic Party. It is the Democrat Party and Mamdani is a Democrat Socialist, not a Democratic Socialist. Democratic is being used so much that it is becoming the norm.
Pure B.S.! 26.5% going to leave?? Yeah..right…where are they going to go?
If Mamdani wins, it will provide him and the “ squad “with the tools and strength to destroy American values and create a strong base with which to support the worst Antisemitism this country has ever experienced and, in achieving that goal, he will embolden every pro-Nazi crackpot to organize and openly run for local offices. It will be 1930s Germany all over again. His hatred for America is only exceeded by his hatred for Jewish Americans. This disease must be stopped before it gets out of control. Why even take the chance? Any dangerous disease starts with one infected cell and, if left untreated, will grow into something more deadly and that is Mamdani and the AOC squad. If you don’t resist now before he gets into power, it will be too late to stop his momentum. Believe it!!!!! The safety and future of the America we love is at stake.
They always threaten to move somewhere else or leave the country, but never do… a lot of hot air. Just imagine if all of them moving to your home town… no thanks… Republican, Democrat… I dont care… being a NY’er is a big enough red flag for me.
This man will be the true beginning of the end.
That would stilll leave Mandamn’s entire voter base intact.
Pain, although it can be excruciating, is a wonderful teacher. If mandamni is elected they will soon find out just how excruciating the pain will be. Smart ones will not go down that road again.