NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Earns Approval from Nearly Half of Residents

New York City's newest mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is earning approval from close to half of the city's residents as he approaches his first 100 days in office, according to a recent Marist poll. The survey, conducted by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, found that 48% of residents say they approve of the job the 34-year-old mayor is doing, while 30% disapprove and 23% remain unsure.

Mamdani, who took office in January 2026, has faced a number of challenges in his first few months, including addressing the city's ongoing affordable housing crisis, tackling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and navigating a divided political landscape. Despite these obstacles, the new poll suggests that nearly half of New Yorkers are satisfied with Mamdani's performance so far.

The poll results come as Mamdani prepares to mark his 100th day in office, a symbolic milestone that often serves as an early barometer of a new mayor's leadership and effectiveness. While the 48% approval rating is not an overwhelming majority, it suggests that Mamdani has managed to connect with a sizable portion of the city's diverse population in a relatively short time.

Prior to becoming mayor, Mamdani served as a city council member, where he earned a reputation as a progressive and outspoken advocate for issues like affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection. His victory in the 2025 mayoral election was seen by many as a rebuke of the more moderate policies of his predecessor, Bill de Blasio.

In the months since taking office, Mamdani has rolled out a number of initiatives aimed at addressing the city's most pressing challenges. This includes a $2 billion investment in affordable housing development, the creation of a citywide climate action plan, and the launch of a guaranteed income pilot program for low-income families.

While Mamdani has earned praise from many progressive supporters, he has also faced criticism from more conservative factions in the city who have accused him of pursuing a radical agenda. The Marist poll reflects this divide, with a majority of Democrats (63%) approving of Mamdani's performance compared to just 26% of Republicans.

As Mamdani looks ahead to the remainder of his term, he will likely need to continue navigating these political and ideological tensions, while also demonstrating tangible progress on the key issues that matter most to New Yorkers. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, the mayor's ability to maintain and grow his base of support will be crucial to his long-term success.