The claim that Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is the favorite to win the NYC mayoralty is mostly true because multiple recent sources confirm he won the Democratic primary, holds a significant lead in polls against opponents, and is widely regarded as the front-runner for the general election.
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is favorite to win the NYC mayoralty.

Can Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, become the next mayor of New York City?
Source: nbcnewyork.com
Key Evidence
Mamdani won the Democratic primary against Andrew Cuomo.
apnews.comapnews.comZohran Mamdani wins New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, defeating...
bbc.combbc.comZohran Mamdani stuns Andrew Cuomo in NYC mayor primary
Recent polls show him leading with 43% support compared to Cuomo's 28%.
theguardian.comtheguardian.comZohran Mamdani maintains big lead in New York mayor’s race, new poll finds
He has received high-profile endorsements such as from Governor Kathy Hochul.
cnn.comcnn.comNew York Gov. Kathy Hochul endorses Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral race
What the Evidence Shows
Zohran Mamdani is confirmed as a democratic socialist and a New York State Assembly member representing Queens. He won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor in 2025, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo.apnews.comapnews.comZohran Mamdani wins New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, defeating...
bbc.combbc.comZohran Mamdani stuns Andrew Cuomo in NYC mayor primary Following this primary victory, polls show Mamdani maintaining a substantial lead over Cuomo, who is running as an independent in the general election.+1 more
Additionally, major endorsements such as that from New York Governor Kathy Hochul support his candidacy.cnn.comcnn.comNew York Gov. Kathy Hochul endorses Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral race The New York Times describes him as the "unquestioned front-runner" in the race.
nytimes.comnytimes.com10 (More) Questions With Zohran Mamdani While he is favored, the final general election has not yet occurred, so his ultimate victory is not guaranteed.
However, current evidence strongly supports his status as the favorite. The sources consistently identify him as a democratic socialist and highlight his rising popularity and polling advantage.