Andrew Cuomo is voters' favorite to replace Eric Adams as mayor of New York City

A new Slingshot Strategies poll revealed that former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is voters' preferred candidate to replace New York City Mayor Eric Adams in office.

The poll asked voters: "If Eric Adams resigned or was removed and a special election to choose the next Mayor of New York City were held today, who could you see yourself supporting?" New Yorkers chose Cuomo (with 22% support) over other candidates. The former governor is followed by Jumaane Williams, public defender of the city (with 15% support) and Kathryn Garcia, director of state operations for the state (with 12% support).

The poll points out Adams' low approval rating. Only 37% of the city's voters approve of his performance as mayor (compared to 56% who disapprove). Since April, disapproval of the current mayor has increased by 41%.

Slingshot Mayoral Special Elections Poll Topline by Veronica Silveri on Scribd

Adams should resign if indicted

Regarding the scandals surrounding Adams, 26% of voters said they believe the mayor did something illegal. Another 34% think he did something "unethical but not illegal." More than half of voters (52%) think Adams should resign if he is indicted, while 38% think he should stay as mayor until the legal process plays out.

The survey comes at a tough time in his administration. He is facing an FBI investigation into his 2021 campaign finances, as well as an allegation of sexual assault made against him by a former colleague in the Transit Police Department.

Another poll backs Adams' low ratings

Another recent Quinnipiac poll showed that New Yorkers are not pleased with Adams' management. The survey highlights that budget cuts and the immigration crisis influenced voters' negative perceptions of the mayor.

Nearly two-thirds of voters disapprove of his job as a leader, making for the worst evaluation ever recorded for the Democratic mayor. According to that pollster, only 28% approve of Adams' management, compared to 58% who disapprove and 14% who do not have a formed opinion. The survey interviewed 1,257 voters.

The last time Quinnipiac had recorded such low numbers for the mayor of New York was in 2003, when Michael Bloomberg, then a Republican, had a 31% approval rating compared to a 60% disapproval rating.