NYC Mayoral Race Update

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to hold a commanding lead in the polls for NYC mayor with 34% of voters supporting him followed by Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani with 16% of voters supporting the Assemblymember. The rest of the contenders all polled in the single digits. Cuomo’s lead comes despite a technical error denying him millions in public matching funds, which has since been addressed. Mamdani raked in $4 million in matching funds, the largest amount any mayoral candidate has received during this election cycle.

Cuomo faced another setback this week after AI software, ChatGPT, was cited in a section of his housing plan and incoherent text was found throughout the plan, leading his rivals to criticize his use of the AI software on one of the most important policy issues NYC faces. A spokesperson for Cuomo affirmed ChatGPT was not used to craft actual policy, but instead for grammar and spelling, defending the use of the software.

Stefanik’s Potential Run for Governor

After some speculation about a potential run for governor in 2026 from close sources, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-21) told reporters she is honored to be considered for the role and then later made a statement criticizing Governor Hochul’s current poll numbers and one-party rule in Albany. This comes after her nomination to be the next United Nations ambassador was pulled by President Trump for fear that her Congressional seat would be left vulnerable with such a slim Republican majority in the House. If Stefanik runs for governor, Hochul sees Stefanik’s NY-21 seat as a plausible pick up for Democrats citing unpopular policies from the federal government impacting farmers and tourism in the North Country, parts of which are in Stefanik’s district.

Representative Mike Lawler (R-97) is also considering a run for governor, but has not made a final decision, which could come this summer. Governor Hochul has said no matter who the Republican nominee is for the gubernatorial election that she looks forward to the fight.

 

We will continue to keep you updated with relevant news impacting New York State.