A significant new poll has cast a revealing light on the complex dynamics of the upcoming NYC mayoral race, indicating that Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, holds a lead among registered Jewish voters, albeit with a notable undercurrent of concern regarding his potential impact on community safety.
The comprehensive survey, meticulously conducted by GQR in collaboration with the Jewish advocacy organization New York Solidarity Network (NYSN), meticulously gathered insights from 800 Jewish voters across New York City. The findings showed Mamdani garnering 37% support, positioning him ahead of Mayor Eric Adams at 25%, former Governor Andrew Cuomo at 21%, and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa at 14%, with the poll maintaining a precise margin of error of +/- 3.46%.
Despite Mamdani’s plurality in support, the poll simultaneously unveiled a substantial level of apprehension among the Jewish electorate. A striking 58% of respondents expressed worry that New York City could become less safe for Jewish residents if Mamdani were to assume the mayoral office. Compounding this concern, more than half of the surveyed Jewish voters, 51%, articulated a belief that Mamdani harbors antisemitic views, creating a challenging perception for his campaign.
Sara Forman, the Director of NYSN, emphasized the organization’s objective to genuinely comprehend the prevailing sentiments within the Jewish voters community at this critical political juncture. A key revelation from Forman’s analysis was the unexpected finding that Israel, contrary to broader political narratives, does not function as a primary wedge issue for Jewish individuals to the extent suggested by less comprehensive surveys.
Mamdani’s campaign has faced persistent scrutiny, particularly over his reluctance to unequivocally condemn the chant “globalize the intifada,” a phrase interpreted by some as a direct call for violence against Jewish people, while others understand it as a plea for Palestinian liberation. Furthermore, his critical stance on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified accusations of antisemitism from various quarters.
In direct response to these weighty allegations, Mamdani has consistently underscored his profound commitment to fostering dialogue and meeting with Jewish community leaders, affirming his dedication to safeguarding all New Yorkers against hate and discrimination. Jeffrey Lerner, Mamdani’s spokesperson, asserted in a statement that thousands of Jewish New Yorkers trust him to enhance city affordability and ensure their safety, simultaneously expressing weariness over the perceived cynical exploitation of Jewish suffering by figures like Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, the latter now running as an independent on the “EndAntisemitism” line in the NYC Mayor’s Race.
The Election Poll also highlighted widespread concerns about Antisemitism across New York City, with three out of four Jewish voters expressing alarm; 42% viewed it as a “somewhat serious problem,” and 32% as a “very serious problem.” Moreover, a significant 63% of those surveyed believed the phrase “globalize the intifada” is inherently antisemitic, reflecting deep-seated anxieties within the community.
Analyzing the motivations behind Mamdani’s support, the survey identified his pledges to implement higher taxes for the wealthy, expand access to affordable housing, and reorient crime prevention efforts towards mental health officers rather than traditional policing, as paramount driving factors. Notably, 17% of his Jewish supporters cited his position on Israel, Palestinians, and the Gaza conflict as a top-three influence on their voting decision, a nuance that aligns with earlier findings from a Data for Progress and Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project poll suggesting his stance on Palestinian rights aided his primary victory against Cuomo.
The demographic breakdown of Mamdani’s support revealed a leaning towards younger, less observant Jewish voters, while older and more observant segments of the community largely favored Adams and Cuomo. This fragmented support base led Forman to conclude that loyalties are divided, with a collective 60% of Jewish voters not supporting Mamdani, indicating that the majority of the Jewish community does not currently back Zohran Mamdani for mayor, even as voters demand a strong police presence near synagogues, increased city-wide anti-antisemitism efforts, and maintained funding for Jewish nonprofit organizations to ensure their safety and well-being in NYC Politics.
