NEW YORK, NY - March 12, 2025 - A groundbreaking new study of New York City voters has uncovered critical insights into voter attitudes and priorities heading into the 2025 mayoral election, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with current leadership while identifying surprising areas of consensus on policy solutions.

The comprehensive survey, led by John Della Volpe and SocialSphere and commissioned by Jamie Rubin, represents the largest study of NYC voters in years. Unlike traditional polls that focus primarily on horse-race politics, this research delves deeply into the issues most affecting New Yorkers' daily lives and their vision for the city's future.

Stark Pessimism About City's Direction

The study reveals a profound pessimism among New York City residents about the city's trajectory, with only 14% believing the city is headed in the right direction, while 55% say it is on the wrong track. Interestingly, residents view their own neighborhoods somewhat more favorably, with 34% seeing positive direction locally compared to 31% negative.

Crisis of Leadership

A staggering 58% of New York voters declare they "will never" vote for Mayor Eric Adams in the upcoming Democratic primary, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo leads with 40% of voters (20% are sure and 20% say good chance). Meanwhile, interest in other candidates signal voters are actively seeking alternatives to the deeply unpopular incumbent.

Housing Affordability: An Existential Threat

The housing affordability crisis emerged as a dominant concern, which the researchers describe as "an existential threat to New Yorkers' ability to remain in the city they love." 81% of respondents believe housing affordability is getting worse.

Focus group participants across all demographics described intense pressure from rising housing costs, with many expressing anxiety about being priced out of their neighborhoods. Long-time residents reported watching their communities transform through gentrification, with luxury condos replacing affordable housing and multi-generational families being scattered.

Due to this crisis, voters strongly support potential solutions:

• 91% support converting commercial buildings to housing

• 86% favor allowing the City Housing Authority to use excess land for affordable housing

• 84% back setting mandatory affordable housing targets in every community

• 54% believe there are too many regulations and approval requirements for affordable housing construction

"This isn't about 'left' or 'right' - it's about listening, understanding, and responding to the concerns that matter most to New Yorkers," said Della Volpe. "After conducting a dozen focus groups to refine our questions, we've created a framework that civic leaders, politicians, and nonprofit organizations can use to drive real change and rebuild trust with voters."

The study identifies both significant challenges and promising opportunities for creating coalitions around shared priorities across boroughs and demographic groups. By recognizing New Yorkers' complex, multidimensional identities, the findings offer a roadmap for civic renewal that transcends traditional political divides.

"New Yorkers are clearly fed up with the status quo, but they haven't given up on their city," said Rubin. "This research shows that despite their frustrations, voters remain engaged and supportive of bold policy solutions that address quality of life concerns. I hope everyone in a position of power takes a good hard look at this and uses it as a blueprint to make our city better."

The full study results are available here. For media inquiries, please contact Molly Weissman, molly@jamesrubin.com.