By Jim Mishler | Saturday, 01 November 2025 11:27 AM EDT
Pollster John McLaughlin stated on Newsmax that a high voter turnout in the New York City mayoral race is likely to benefit former Governor Andrew Cuomo. McLaughlin told “America Right Now” on Saturday, “The bigger turnout will benefit Cuomo. The question is will it be enough?”
Cuomo is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to self-described democratic socialist candidate and state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who holds a double-digit lead in most polls. Republican Curtis Sliwa remains in the single digits. McLaughlin noted that Sliwa’s decision to act as a spoiler rather than a kingmaker could have altered the race’s dynamics.
Sliwa has declined calls from some advocates to withdraw and redirect his supporters to Cuomo. McLaughlin highlighted that early voting in New York suggests Cuomo faces significant ground to cover against Mamdani. While some polls show a narrowing gap, such as the Atlas poll, which McLaughlin described as “a little too Republican,” the average still places Cuomo in the 30s and Mamdani in the 40s.
McLaughlin also pointed to high early voter turnout for Republicans in areas surrounding New York and into New Jersey, attributing this to conservative concerns over a potential Mamdani victory. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently contributed $5 million to super PACs opposing Mamdani, marking him as the largest individual donor in the race. The funds supported Cuomo’s independent campaign and targeted Mamdani’s bid for mayor.
Bloomberg’s donations included $1.5 million to the super PAC Fix the City and $3.5 million to the newly formed For Our City, reflecting increased external spending as the general election nears. In endorsing Cuomo, Bloomberg emphasized the former governor’s “experience and toughness” as critical for addressing New York’s challenges.
