New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Receives Mixed Approval in First 100 Days Poll
As New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani approaches the symbolic milestone of his first 100 days in office, a comprehensive new poll indicates that roughly half of the city's residents approve of his performance thus far. The survey, conducted by the respected Marist Institute for Public Opinion and released on Wednesday, provides a detailed snapshot of public sentiment toward the 34-year-old mayor's nascent administration.
Key Poll Findings on Mamdani's Performance
The Marist poll, which surveyed 1,454 New York City residents between March 26 and March 31, 2026, found that 48% of respondents approve of the job Mayor Mamdani is doing. In contrast, 30% explicitly disapprove, while a significant 23% remain uncertain or have no firm opinion at this early stage. The survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.
Beyond basic approval, the data reveals more nuanced positive indicators. A solid majority of 55% of city residents view Mamdani either very or somewhat favorably. Furthermore, 56% believe that New York City is moving in the right direction, a notable increase from October 2025 when only 31% of residents felt the city was on track.
Public Perception of Leadership and Trust
The poll delves deeper into the qualities New Yorkers attribute to their new mayor. Nearly three out of four respondents (74%) believe that Mamdani is working hard in his role. Additionally, 61% feel he understands the city's complex challenges. A majority also express confidence in his leadership, stating they believe he is a good leader for New York, cares about people like them, and is "doing more to unite New York City than to divide it."
Trust appears to be a strong point for the mayor at this juncture. Over half of residents report having a great deal or a good amount of trust in Mamdani to make decisions in the city's best interest. Importantly, 60% of respondents believe he is actively fulfilling the campaign promises that propelled him into office.
Historical Context and Comparison to Predecessors
The survey provides crucial historical context, noting that Mamdani's current 48% approval rating as he nears 100 days trails that of his immediate predecessor, Eric Adams. At a similar point in his term in 2022, Adams enjoyed a 61% approval rating among city residents. Mamdani's numbers are closer to those of former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014.
However, the poll highlights a significant area where Mamdani outperforms both Adams and de Blasio: among registered voters, he scores higher in terms of effecting positive change in New York City. This suggests that while his overall approval is more modest, engaged voters see potential for impactful governance.
Expert Analysis and the Road Ahead
Lee M. Miringoff, the director of the Marist Poll, described the results to the New York Times as a "good start" for the new mayor. However, Miringoff offered a note of caution, stating, "But New York City doesn't give a honeymoon easily, and I think it's still a proving time for him." This underscores the challenging political landscape Mamdani navigates as he seeks to translate early favorable perceptions into sustained public support and tangible policy achievements.
The poll arrives as Mayor Mamdani, who campaigned heavily on a platform of affordable housing and economic justice, continues to establish his administration's priorities and operational rhythm. The data offers a foundational benchmark against which his future performance will be measured by the city's demanding electorate.
