Mayor Eric Adams’ job approval rating has hit a historic low of 20%, with 67% of voters disapproving of his performance, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released on March 5, 2025. The poll reveals deep dissatisfaction among New Yorkers, fueled by federal corruption charges against Adams and broader concerns over crime, budget management, and immigration policy.
Poll Highlights: Voters Turn Against Adams
- Only 20% approve of Adams’ performance, the lowest recorded for a New York City mayor in nearly 30 years of Quinnipiac polling.
- A staggering 56% believe he should resign, including 72% of Democrats and 51% of Independents.
- 40% of voters think Adams committed an illegal act, while 31% believe he acted unethically but not illegally.
“Unpopular even before an indictment, voters’ confidence in Mayor Adams sinks to a new low now that his legal case has become a national controversy,” said Quinnipiac Poll Assistant Director Mary Snow.
Corruption Charges and Public Sentiment
- 73% of voters say they have been closely following the federal corruption charges against Adams.
- 63% oppose dropping the charges, with only 25% in favor of dismissing the case.
Leadership and Trustworthiness in Question
Voters were asked about Adams’ personal qualities, and the responses were overwhelmingly negative:
- Only 18% believe he is honest and trustworthy, compared to 69% who say he is not.
- 32% think he has strong leadership qualities, while 61% disagree.
- 59% say Adams does not understand the problems of ordinary people.
Performance on Key Issues
Voters widely disapprove of how Adams is handling major city issues:
- Crime: 30% approve, 57% disapprove.
- Undocumented Immigration Issues: 24% approve, 64% disapprove.
- City Budget: 21% approve, 58% disapprove.
Immigration and NYC’s Relationship with Trump
- 58% oppose mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, though 81% support deporting undocumented individuals convicted of violent crimes.
- 56% of voters want Adams to stand up to President Trump on immigration issues, while 33% want him to work with Trump.
Congestion Pricing and Trump’s Policy Reversal
- 54% of New Yorkers oppose congestion pricing tolls for vehicles entering Manhattan.
- 45% support President Trump’s decision to end NYC’s congestion pricing policy, while 49% disapprove.
New York’s Democratic Mayoral Primary: Cuomo Leads the Pack
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo leads the Democratic mayoral primary race with 31% support, while Adams trails far behind at 11%.
Other notable candidates:
- Zohran Mamdani: 8%
- Jumaane Williams: 7%
- Scott Stringer: 6%
- Brad Lander: 5%
- Jessica Ramos & Adrienne Adams: 4% each
“Three and a half years after resigning amid scandal, Cuomo has emerged as the front-runner, boosted by moderate Democrats,” said Mary Snow. However, 16% of voters remain undecided, leaving room for shifts in the race.
Citywide Dissatisfaction Reaches Record High
- 72% of voters are dissatisfied with life in New York City, marking the lowest satisfaction rate ever recorded.
- The previous low was in 2003, when 70% were dissatisfied.
Governor Hochul and President Trump’s Approval Ratings
- Governor Kathy Hochul: 43% approval, 42% disapproval.
- President Donald Trump: 30% approval, 65% disapproval.
Final Takeaway
Mayor Eric Adams faces growing calls for resignation, a record-low approval rating, and overwhelming discontent from voters on his handling of crime, immigration, and corruption allegations. With Andrew Cuomo leading the race for mayor, the 2025 election may bring a major shift in NYC leadership.
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