Disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is crushing embattled Mayor Eric Adams in the 2025 NYC mayoral race. Adams has only managed to raise a paltry $36,000 in campaign funds, while Cuomo has amassed over $1.5 million and leads by 23 points in polling. We think we can guess how this ends.
At a glance:
• Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo leads the 2025 NYC Democratic Primary with 33% support
• Mayor Eric Adams trails with just 10% support and a dismal 27% favorable rating
• Adams raised only $36,121 in recent fundraising, while Cuomo collected over $1.5 million
• 56% of NYC voters believe Adams should resign amid federal bribery and fraud charges
• Crime and housing affordability remain top concerns for NYC voters, with 55% feeling unsafe on subways
Cuomo Dominates Polls Despite Scandal-Plagued Past
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, despite resigning from office in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations. According to an Emerson College poll, Cuomo commands 33% support among Democratic primary voters, more than tripling incumbent Mayor Eric Adams’ meager 10%.
New York really wants to destroy itself, huh?
The poll reveals Adams faces a staggering 58% unfavorable rating among New York City voters, while Cuomo enjoys a 47% favorable rating. This stark contrast highlights the uphill battle Adams faces in his bid for reelection as he grapples with federal bribery and fraud charges, which he denies.
What’s particularly troubling for Adams is Cuomo’s strong performance among Black voters, a demographic that had been crucial to Adams’ 2021 victory. The poll shows Cuomo leading Adams 35% to 13% among Black voters, with Emerson College Polling Director Spencer Kimball noting the significant shift.
Adams’ Campaign Fund Dwarfed by Cuomo’s War Chest
Mayor Adams’ fundraising efforts have collapsed amid his mounting legal troubles, with recent filings showing he raised just $36,121 in private donations. After refunds and outstanding advances, Adams’ campaign netted a mere $18,967 in the first quarter of 2025, according to Newsweek.
In stark contrast, Cuomo raised an impressive $1,537,194 during the same period, establishing a massive financial advantage ahead of the June 24 Democratic primary. Despite his fundraising woes, Adams still has approximately $3 million on hand from earlier contributions, giving him some resources to mount a comeback.
“When I’m ready to do my official re-announcement and my plan, I will do so. And I will make sure all of you are invited,” Adams stated, appearing to downplay concerns about his campaign’s viability.
Nevertheless, with a record-low 20% job approval rating and 56% of voters believing he should resign, Adams faces nearly insurmountable obstacles.
He could, however, run on a right-leaning platform and win over New Yorkers concerned about crime. A majority of New Yorkers (55%) report feeling unsafe riding the subway, with women particularly concerned at 65% compared to 45% of men. This pervasive sense of insecurity underscores Adams’ failure to address the crime wave that has gripped the city during his tenure.
Adams has already proven himself to be willing to work with Republicans on matters relating to crime and illegal immigration – so perhaps that could be his key to beating a New York heavyweight like Cuomo.
