A new poll measuring public sentiment as Mayor Zohran Mamdani nears the 100-day mark of his administration reveals a city divided yet leaning toward optimism about his early tenure.
The survey, conducted in late March, indicates that 48% of New York City residents approve of the job the mayor is doing, while 30% disapprove. A significant portion, 23%, remain undecided. Beyond job performance, a majority of residents—55%—hold a favorable view of the mayor personally.
This measured approval comes alongside a notable shift in the city’s outlook. Currently, 56% of those polled believe New York is headed in the right direction, a substantial increase from the 31% who felt similarly just six months prior, in October 2025.
The data suggests Mamdani is connecting with a broad cross-section of the public on key leadership qualities. Strong majorities believe he is working hard, understands the city’s challenges, and is a good leader who cares about people like them. Furthermore, 60% of respondents feel he is keeping his campaign promises, and over half trust him to make decisions in the city’s best interest.
Historical comparisons show a nuanced picture. While his initial approval rating is lower than that of his immediate predecessor at a similar point in their term, the poll indicates Mamdani outperforms both his predecessor and the mayor before him when voters are asked which leader is more effective at “effecting positive change” in the city.
The poll’s director characterized the results as a “good start” for the new administration but noted the intense scrutiny that comes with leading the city, stating, “New York City doesn’t give a honeymoon easily.”
The survey of over 1,400 residents has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.
