By Trendsetter Tribune 
Just one month into his term, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reached his highest-ever favorability rating, according to a Siena Research Institute poll released on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The data suggests that Mamdani, who was sworn in as the city’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor on January 1, is enjoying a significant post-inauguration “honeymoon” period.
The Poll Numbers: A Statewide Perspective
The Siena survey, conducted from January 26 to January 28 among 802 registered voters, shows Mamdani gaining traction not just in the five boroughs, but across New York State.
- Favorability Rating: 48% favorable vs. 32% unfavorable.
- Trend: This is a slight but notable increase from his 46-31% rating in December 2025.
- Partisan Divide:
- Democrats: 64% Favorable
- Republicans: 68% Unfavorable
- Independents: 43% Favorable / 31% Unfavorable
Why the Surge? Experts Weigh In
Political analysts attribute Mamdani’s early success to a combination of effective crisis management and high-profile legislative cooperation.
- Competency on the Basics: Robert Y. Shapiro, a political science professor at Columbia University, noted that Mamdani has handled his first major winter storms and extreme cold weather without significant disruption.
- Strategic Alliances: Working alongside Governor Kathy Hochul—who herself hit a record 49% favorability in the same poll—Mamdani has championed popular affordability measures, including a $1.7 billion increase in childcare funding.
- The “Trump Contrast”: As the city grapples with the fallout of aggressive federal ICE operations, Mamdani’s opposition to the “Metro Surge” has consolidated his base. The Siena poll found that 67% of New Yorkers view ICE unfavorably, providing Mamdani with a clear political foil.
2025 Election Recall: A Historic Victory
Mamdani’s current standing is built on the momentum of his November 2025 victory, where he secured 50.78% of the vote. He defeated independent former Governor Andrew Cuomo (41.32%) and Republican Curtis Sliwa (7.01%).
| Metric | 2025 Election Day | Feb 2026 Poll |
| NYC Support | 50.8% (Vote Share) | 61% (Favorability) |
| Statewide Support | N/A | 48% (Favorability) |
| Young Voters (18-34) | 64% Support | High Enthusiasm |
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive numbers, Shapiro warns that the “honeymoon” could be brief. The administration faces ongoing pressure regarding cost-of-living and the city’s complex relationship with the federal government. Furthermore, while Mamdani is popular with younger and progressive voters, he continues to face skepticism from voters over 55, where favorability remains more divided.