Fact Check: "Jewish voters account for at least 16% of the electorate in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor."
What We Know
The claim that Jewish voters account for at least 16% of the electorate in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor is supported by several data points. According to a report, voters with distinctive Jewish last names represent approximately 13% of the city's 4.6 million active registered voters, with 62% identifying as Democrats and 16% as Republicans (source-1). Furthermore, during the 2021 Democratic mayoral primary, Jewish voters made up 26% of the turnout, indicating their significant influence in the electoral process (source-1).
Recent polling data from the ongoing 2025 mayoral race shows that Jewish voters are actively engaged, with candidates like Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani vying for their support (source-4). This engagement suggests that Jewish voters are a critical demographic in the upcoming primary.
Analysis
The claim's accuracy hinges on the interpretation of the percentage of Jewish voters within the Democratic primary electorate. While Jewish voters constitute 13% of registered voters in New York City, their turnout in the 2021 primary was notably higher, at 26% of the total votes cast. This discrepancy indicates that while they may not represent 16% of the registered electorate, their voting power during primaries is significantly amplified.
Moreover, the claim does not specify whether it refers to registered voters or those who actually participate in the primary. The 16% figure could be interpreted as a reference to the proportion of Jewish voters among those who vote, rather than the total registered electorate. Given that Jewish voters are expected to play a pivotal role in the Democratic primary, their influence could exceed their percentage of the overall registered voter base.
The sources used to support this claim are credible, including reputable news outlets and political analysis reports. However, the interpretation of the data requires careful consideration of the context in which these percentages are presented.
Conclusion
The claim that "Jewish voters account for at least 16% of the electorate in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor" is Partially True. While Jewish voters represent approximately 13% of the registered electorate, their turnout in previous primaries has been significantly higher, indicating their influence in the electoral process. The claim lacks specificity regarding whether it refers to registered voters or actual voters in the primary, which is crucial for a complete understanding of their electoral weight.
Sources
- Israel and Antisemitism Loom Large as Issues in the N.Y.C. ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/nyregion/israel-gaza-antisemitism-mayor-nyc.html)
- 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_New_York_City_Democratic_mayoral_primary)
- NYC mayoral candidates draw battle lines on Israel and ... (https://www.timesofisrael.com/nyc-mayoral-candidates-draw-battle-lines-on-israel-and-antisemitism-as-primary-nears/)
- Cuomo, Mamdani gain Jewish support in NYC mayor race (https://forward.com/fast-forward/723325/cuomo-nyc-mayor-mamdani-jewish-vote/)
- Jewish voter campaign seeks 'generational shift' as it hits ... (https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-voter-campaign-seeks-generational-shift-as-it-hits-streets-for-nyc-primary/)
- Will Jewish voters decide the NYC mayoral election? (https://forward.com/news/724339/nyc-mayor-jewish-voters-antisemitism/)
- Here's who’s running for New York City mayor in 2025 (https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2025/06/heres-whos-running-new-york-city-mayor-2025/401994/)
- Major Jewish Community Endorsements Still Up for Grabs ... (https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/05/28/jewish-democratic-primary-endorsement-voters-mayoral-race/)
