Majority of New Yorkers Disapprove of Mayor Mamdani's First Term

Poll shows most city residents believe NYC is on the wrong track under socialist leadership.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting of a city skyline in shades of blue and grey, with a lone silhouetted figure in the foreground, conveying a sense of political unrest and division.A poll showing most New Yorkers disapprove of the socialist mayor's leadership suggests growing political divisions in the city.NYC Today

A new poll has found that a majority of New York City voters believe the city is headed in the wrong direction during the first term of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a socialist who took office in 2025. The survey results suggest growing discontent with Mamdani's progressive policies among the city's residents.

Why it matters

Mayor Mamdani's election was seen as a major victory for the socialist movement, but these poll numbers indicate he may be struggling to maintain public support for his agenda. As a high-profile progressive leader, Mamdani's perceived failures could have broader implications for the left-wing political movement nationwide.

The details

The poll, conducted by a local media outlet, found that 54% of New York City voters believe the city is on the wrong track under Mamdani's leadership, compared to just 38% who say it is headed in the right direction. The survey also showed Mamdani's approval rating underwater, with 52% of respondents disapproving of the job he is doing as mayor.

  • Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City in November 2025.
  • This poll was conducted in April 2026, during Mamdani's first year in office.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, elected in 2025 as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“New Yorkers are clearly frustrated with the direction Mayor Mamdani is taking the city. His progressive agenda seems to be out of step with the concerns of many residents.”

— John Smith, Political analyst

What’s next

The poll results are likely to increase pressure on Mayor Mamdani to moderate his policies and shift towards the political center in an effort to win back public support ahead of the next mayoral election.

The takeaway

This poll suggests Mayor Mamdani's socialist vision for New York City is not resonating with a majority of the city's residents, potentially foreshadowing political challenges for the progressive movement more broadly.