Cuomo maintains lead in Democratic primary, Mamdani facing controversy

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is still leading the Democratic Mayoral Primary, ahead of Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani by 11 points, according to a new poll from Marist.

Released on Wednesday, the poll also shows that 11% of voters remain undecided. In a ranked-choice voting simulation from Marist, Cuomo would defeat Mamdani 55% to 45% once lower candidates are eliminated.

However, the Marist poll, which many view as an important indicator in the tight race, was conducted before several key developments: the second mayoral debate, the cross-endorsement of Mamdani and Comptroller Brad Lander, key endorsements for Cuomo in the orthodox Jewish community, and Mamdani's recent endorsement from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

Lander's recent detention by ICE on Tuesday, which garnered national attention, was also not a factor in the survey.

On the Campaign trail Wednesday, Mamdani received the endorsement of former mayoral candidate Maya Wiley, who narrowly lost to Mayor Eric Adams four years ago.

However, Mamdani’s defense of the phrase "globalize the intifada" on a podcast sparked fierce criticism from multiple groups, including the National Holocaust Museum.

In a social media post, the museum condemned the language as inflammatory, saying Jewish people have been "attacked and murdered under its banner."

Mamdani defended his position, stating that the term means different things to different people, and for many Palestinians and Muslims, it symbolizes the struggle for freedom and rights.

Mamdani said he would combat antisemitism if elected mayor with both funding and police. He grew emotional as he described the personal threats he has received and how his rivals, especially Cuomo, have weaponized the issue of antisemitism against him.

“I have said at every opportunity there’s no room for antisemitism in this city and in this country,” Mamdani said, visibly moved. "I get messages that say the only good Muslim is a dead Muslim. I get threats on my life and my loved ones. I try not to talk about it, because Toni Morrison said the function of racism is distinction."

Cuomo issued a statement condemning Mamdani’s remarks, saying there are not two sides to the issue, and that the phrase fuels antisemitism.