Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo has a significant lead in the Bronx and citywide ahead of the June Democratic primary, according to a new poll by Siena College and sponsored by AARP New York.
In the poll conducted April 7-10, Cuomo drew 51% of first-choice support in the Bronx and 34% citywide, placing the former governor far ahead of Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani (2% in the Bronx, 16% citywide) and Comptroller Brad Lander (3% in the Bronx, 6% citywide).
Among New York City voters age 50 and older, Cuomo received 42% of first-choice votes, by far the highest percentage of any candidate.
“Older voters are poised to be the deciding factor in the election once again,” said Kevin Jones, AARP New York’s associate state director for advocacy, in a phone call with the Bronx Times.
The Siena/AARP poll also revealed Bronxites’ deep concerns about the future of New York City as they consider their choice of leader.
63% of Bronx respondents said the city is headed in the wrong direction, 88% cited affordable housing as a concern and 95% said general affordability is a very serious or somewhat serious problem.
Throughout his campaign, Cuomo has come under fire for his conduct as governor, including allegations of sexual harassment and blame for his order during the COVID-19 pandemic to send elderly patients with the virus back into nursing homes, which critics say caused 15,000 premature deaths. Although Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021, he has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has become the early front-runner in recent mayoral polls.
Looking ahead to June, turnout will be a major deciding factor, and older voters who reliably show up to the polls can have a disproportionate say in the outcome of primary elections. In New York’s June 2024 primary, voters aged 50 and over accounted for 72% of the total turnout, according to AARP.
“Older New Yorkers are engaged, informed, and eager to shape the future of their city — and this poll shows their voices will make the difference in the race for mayor,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director, in a statement.
“The issues most important to older New Yorkers — affordability, housing, safety, and aging in place — must be front and center in this campaign. Candidates ignore older voters at their peril,” Finkel said.
The AARP, which represents people over age 50, is a nonpartisan organization that does not make endorsements but advocates for political candidates to listen to the lived experiences and perspectives of older people, according to Jones.
The Siena poll was conducted among 811 registered NYC voters, 556 of whom identified as registered Democrats.
Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
