Amid consistently strong double-digit polling leads for Zohran Mamdani over his rivals, President Donald Trump acknowledged that the Democratic nominee appears poised to win the upcoming New York City mayoral election in November.
“I’m not looking at the polls too carefully, but it looks like he’s going to win,” Trump said of Mamdani’s prospects during an appearance on Fox & Friends.
Trump, who previously speculated about a potential comeback bid by former Governor Andrew Cuomo following the withdrawal of other candidates, described Mamdani’s rise as emblematic of a broader political shift.
“And that’s a rebellion. It’s also a rebellion against bad candidates,” he remarked, referring to the 33-year-old state assemblymember’s momentum.
“None of this is simple. None of it is going to be easy. But what has been so frustrating is it has seemed for many years as if there are many who are not even trying. They are simply at peace with a status quo that we know is broken for so many.” https://t.co/G45Os9NuyA
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) September 11, 2025
Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, secured the Democratic nomination in May following a dynamic grassroots campaign centered on key issues such as affordability, public transportation, and quality of life — priorities that resonate with many New Yorkers.
During the same Fox and Friends segment, Trump referred to Mamdani as “my little communist,” while noting that, if elected, the future mayor would “have to come to Washington for money.”
The president also took aim at other candidates in the race, including Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, criticizing their platforms and past records.
President Trump is live on the curvy couch — are you tuned in? pic.twitter.com/992VdCeiRO
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) September 12, 2025
In a jab at Sliwa, known for his advocacy around animal welfare, Trump remarked, “He’s not exactly prime time,” suggesting he would fill Gracie Mansion with “thousands of cats.”
Trump also revisited his longstanding criticism of Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the policies “horrible.”
Mamdani Maintains Strong Lead
With fewer than two months until Election Day, Mamdani continues to hold a commanding lead in the polls.
The Queens-based assemblymember made headlines in June with a decisive victory in the Democratic primary, driven by robust support among young voters and diverse communities across the city.
Two recently released polls reflect Mamdani’s continued dominance in the race.
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted from September 4 to 8 shows Mamdani with 45% support among likely voters, putting him 22 points ahead of Cuomo, who trails at 23%.
UNITED STATES: Chances of Zohran Mamdani winning the New York City mayoral election are currently at 82%, according to prediction market @Kalshi. pic.twitter.com/KhoaEsJZLC
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) September 12, 2025
Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid multiple scandals, is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary.
Meanwhile, Republican nominee Sliwa polls at 15%, and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams — also running as an independent after skipping the primary due to low approval ratings — is at 12%.
The Quinnipiac findings are echoed by a New York Times/Siena College poll released one day earlier, which also shows Mamdani leading Cuomo by 22 points, 46% to 24%.
“In a mayoral race that seems to grow more intense by the day, Zohran Mamdani has the wind at his back,” said Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Mary Snow.
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Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
