48% of New Yorkers Approve of Mamdani's Performance, Poll Says

Mayor Zohran Mamdani's approval rating nears Eric Adams' at the same point in his tenure, but lags behind in some areas.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:26pm

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A cinematic painting of the New York City skyline at dusk, with a lone figure standing on a balcony overlooking the city. The scene is bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, capturing the mood of a city in transition.As Mayor Mamdani navigates his first months in office, a new poll suggests he has made a solid start, but still faces challenges in winning over all New Yorkers.NYC Today

A new Marist Institute for Public Opinion poll found that around half of New Yorkers approve of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's job performance as he approaches his 100th day in office, with a clear majority believing the city is headed in the right direction. However, Mamdani's approval rating is lower than Eric Adams' was at the same point in his mayoralty, and the mayor is still working to win over some key groups that did not support him in the election.

Why it matters

The poll results arrive at a crucial moment for Mamdani's mayoralty, as he heads into budget negotiations that could make or break his first-year agenda. The findings provide insight into how New Yorkers view the new mayor's performance and priorities so far.

The details

The survey found that more than 60% of city residents believe Mamdani, a democratic socialist and the city's youngest mayor in a century, is hardworking and a good leader who understands the challenges facing the five boroughs. However, somewhat fewer respondents say he has demonstrated effective governance so far. Overall, the poll found that 48% of New Yorkers approved of the job he was doing, while 30% disapproved.

  • Marist conducted its survey in the final days of March, as Mamdani rounded out his third month in office.
  • Mamdani's mayoralty has coincided with a sharp upswing in optimism about the city's trajectory, with 56% of New Yorkers saying things were moving in the right direction, compared to 43% who said they were moving in the wrong direction.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The 34-year-old mayor of New York City, a democratic socialist who is the city's youngest mayor in a century.

Eric Adams

The previous mayor of New York City, who had a 61% approval rating at the same point in his mayoralty four years ago.

Bill de Blasio

The former mayor of New York City, whose approval rating was almost identical to Mamdani's in 2014, after his first three months in office.

Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York, who has reached a deal with Mamdani to expand free child care across the city.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has gone to war with leaders of other large Democratic cities but has so far taken a friendlier approach with Mamdani.

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What they’re saying

“It's a good start. But New York City doesn't give a honeymoon easily, and I think it's still a proving time for him.”

— Lee M. Miringoff, Director of the Marist poll

What’s next

The mayor is heading into the heat of budget negotiations with legislators in Albany and with City Council that could make or break his first-year agenda. The talks will determine whether he can secure new tax revenue from the state, or if he will instead have to pursue unpopular measures like budget cuts or property tax increases to balance the budget.

The takeaway

Mamdani's mayoralty has started with a generally positive image, but he still faces challenges in winning over some key groups and securing the funding needed to deliver on his campaign promises. The poll results suggest he has made a solid start, but there is still work to be done to solidify his standing with New Yorkers.