In a surprising turn of events, a recent Slingshot Strategies poll suggests that former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo may be poised for a political comeback as a potential candidate for New York City’s mayoral position. The poll, conducted between December 1 and December 4, surveyed 600 registered voters in New York City, revealing Cuomo as a front-runner in a hypothetical ranked-choice voting scenario.
Cuomo, who resigned from the governorship amidst controversy, seems to have retained significant support among the city’s electorate. According to the poll, he would emerge victorious in a special election runoff, notably outpacing New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. In the hypothetical runoff, Cuomo would lead with 64% against Williams’ 36%, after 11 rounds of ranked-choice eliminations.
Williams, recognized for his strong connections with both progressive and African American communities, is seen as a potential key figure in the race. His candidacy could galvanize those opposed to a Cuomo mayoralty, possibly consolidating anti-Cuomo sentiment within the Democratic faction.
Evan Roth Smith, founding partner of Slingshot Strategies, noted the resistance within Democratic circles to Cuomo’s potential return to politics. However, Smith also pointed out the unique dynamics of a special election where Republican and independent voters might favor Cuomo over other Democratic contenders.
The poll further delves into the current standing of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, revealing a significant drop in approval ratings. Adams, facing his own set of challenges, has seen his approval rating fall to 37%, with 56% of respondents disapproving of his performance. This marks a stark contrast from earlier in the year when his approval was at 52%.
The survey also touched on public opinion regarding Adams’ potential indictment related to an investigation into his campaign’s connections with Turkey. A majority of the respondents (52%) believe Adams should resign if indicted, while 38% suggest he should allow the legal process to unfold. Additionally, 26% of voters believe Adams engaged in illegal activities, and 34% think he was involved in unethical but not illegal actions.
In response to these findings, New York City Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy criticized the poll as “wildly skewed.” Levy defended Mayor Adams, emphasizing his commitment to serving working New Yorkers and dismissing the poll results and criticisms as politically motivated attacks. Levy condemned the efforts to undermine Adams, particularly as the city’s second Black mayor, as shameful.
The Slingshot Strategies poll highlights the volatile political landscape in New York City, signaling potential shifts and surprises in upcoming electoral contests.