Mamdani's First 100 Days Fail to Impress New York Voters

New poll shows NYC mayor's approval rating below 50% as he struggles with key issues like snow removal and trash pickup.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A dimly lit New York City street corner at night, with a lone streetlight casting warm, diagonal shadows across the pavement and buildings. The scene has a quiet, contemplative mood, reflecting the complex political challenges facing the city's new mayor.As Mayor Mamdani struggles to address pressing issues like snow removal and trash pickup, the city's residents grow increasingly skeptical of his leadership.NYC Today

Zohran Mamdani rode a wave of progressive enthusiasm to become the Mayor of New York City, but a new poll suggests New Yorkers are starting to be skeptical about his performance. Mamdani's approval rating stands at just 48% as he closes in on his first 100 days in office, with residents frustrated by issues like snow and trash removal. The mayor is also struggling to win over Jewish voters, who view him unfavorably by a 17-point margin.

Why it matters

Mamdani's struggles in his first 100 days highlight the challenges of governing versus campaigning, and could signal trouble ahead for the progressive mayor as he tries to implement his agenda. The poll results also reveal deep divisions within the city, particularly with the Jewish community, that Mamdani will need to address.

The details

Some of Mamdani's campaign promises won't be fulfilled because Gov. Kathy Hochul is refusing to subsidize them. Earlier this year, snow and trash removal problems became major issues, as residents were forced to endure eight-foot-high piles of garbage on the street and rat infestations, all while the area around Gracie Mansion was kept perfectly clean. The brutal winter also resulted in a cold-related death toll of 29.

  • Mamdani took office as mayor of New York City in January 2026.
  • The Marist poll was conducted March 26-31, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, elected in November 2025 on a progressive platform.

Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York who is refusing to subsidize some of Mamdani's campaign promises.

Frank Morano

A Republican New York City Councilman who criticized Mamdani for taking credit for filling potholes.

Eric Adams

The former mayor of New York City, who had a 61% approval rating at the same point in his term.

Lee Miringoff

The director of the Marist College poll that showed Mamdani's low approval rating.

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What they’re saying

“Taking credit for filling potholes is like taking credit for changing a lightbulb. It's what you're supposed to do.”

— Frank Morano, New York City Councilman

“Mamdani is going to have to pass the test of time with the Jewish community. Jews are the voters least likely religious group to give Mamdani the benefit of the doubt.”

— Lee Miringoff, Marist College polling director

The takeaway

Mamdani's struggles in his first 100 days as mayor highlight the challenges of governing versus campaigning, and could signal trouble ahead as he tries to implement his progressive agenda. The poll results reveal deep divisions within the city, particularly with the Jewish community, that Mamdani will need to address if he hopes to win back the confidence of New York voters.