More than one in four New York City residents are considering leaving the city if far-left candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral election next month, according to recent polling data. The poll, conducted in advance of the November race, reveals deep concern over Mamdani’s radical political agenda and its potential impact on the city’s future.
Respondents were asked whether they would consider moving out of New York City if Mamdani were elected mayor. A full 26.5 percent answered yes, with 68.4 percent saying no, and 5.2 percent undecided. Additionally, 39 percent of those surveyed believe Mamdani poses a threat to the city’s future. His average approval rating was 2.996 on a five-point scale—higher than that of former Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo (2.40) and Republican Curtis Sliwa (2.72), but still low overall.
Despite these warning signs, Mamdani appears to be leading in the race. Known for his affiliation with Democratic Socialists of America and previous calls to defund the police and decriminalize public drug use, Mamdani has gained the backing of New York City’s progressive voting bloc. Critics argue his policies will accelerate New York’s decline by enabling criminal behavior, worsening quality of life, and driving out middle-class families.
Mamdani has publicly supported sanctuary city policies, taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants, and removing law enforcement from public transit. He has also advocated for leniency on public drug use and homelessness—positions that have raised concerns among residents who value public safety and order.
With crime, taxes, and regulatory burdens already pushing families and businesses out of New York, the possibility of Mamdani’s victory has become a breaking point for many. If elected, his platform may further marginalize law-abiding, working-class citizens in favor of ideologically driven experiments in governance.
