Fact Check: "Mamdani's support skyrocketed from 1% to challenging Cuomo."
What We Know
The claim that Zohran Mamdani's support increased from 1% to a position where he is challenging Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race is based on polling data. According to an Emerson College Poll, Mamdani's support rose from 1% in February to 23% by May 2025. This significant increase indicates a surge in his popularity among voters. However, a more recent Marist poll conducted in June 2025 shows Mamdani at 27%, still trailing Cuomo, who has 38% support. The same poll suggests that Mamdani has made substantial inroads among progressive voters and Latino communities, which has contributed to his rising numbers.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is mixed. While it is true that Mamdani's support has increased dramatically from 1% to 27%, the context of this increase is crucial. The initial 1% figure reflects a very early stage in the campaign, and the 27% figure from the Marist poll indicates that while Mamdani is indeed gaining ground, he is still not leading. The Marist poll, which is considered a reputable source, indicates that Mamdani is "clearly in Cuomo’s rearview mirror," suggesting he is gaining momentum but still faces a significant challenge to surpass Cuomo's lead (New York Times).
Moreover, the Emerson poll shows that Mamdani's rise has been characterized by consolidating progressive support and gaining traction among younger and Latino voters. However, Cuomo maintains strong support among key demographics, including Black voters and older voters, which are critical in a Democratic primary (Emerson College Polling).
The reliability of the sources is generally high, with both the Marist and Emerson polls being recognized for their methodological rigor. However, the timing of these polls is essential; the Marist poll was conducted just before significant campaign events, which could have influenced voter sentiment (New York Times).
Conclusion
The claim that "Mamdani's support skyrocketed from 1% to challenging Cuomo" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the dramatic increase in Mamdani's support from 1% to 27%, it does not fully capture the context of his current standing in the race. He is indeed challenging Cuomo, but he still trails significantly in overall support. Therefore, while Mamdani's rise is noteworthy, it does not equate to him being in a leading position.
