**Cuomo Leads Poll for NYC Mayor, Despite Past Controversies**

In a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Sienna College, former Governor Andrew Cuomo emerges as the leading candidate for New York City's next mayoral election. Cuomo, who stepped down three years ago amidst a series of sexual harassment allegations, secured the support of 22% of surveyed New York Democrats in a hypothetical primary set for next year.

State Attorney General Letitia James follows closely behind with 19% support, and current Mayor Eric Adams, who faces indictment, garnered 12%. Additionally, 28% of the 853 registered voters polled indicated they were undecided or refrained from expressing a preference, while the remaining percentages supported other candidates.

Earlier this year, a U.S. Department of Justice investigation concluded that Cuomo had sexually harassed at least 13 female state employees and retaliated against former staffers. Despite these findings, Cuomo is refuting the claims and appears set for a political comeback.

In New York City, where Democrats overwhelmingly outnumber Republicans by more than seven to one, the winner of the Democratic primary is widely anticipated to secure the mayoral seat. Interestingly, Adams outperformed other Democrats when it came to voters who had supported Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, receiving 29% of their backing in contrast to a mere 10% for President Biden.

However, Mayor Adams’ current standing is precarious. The poll reflects that 53% of voters believe he should resign, whereas 40% suggested he complete his term, which extends until 2025. Furthermore, only 26% of the voters approved of his performance as mayor. Adams, recently indicted on federal bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud charges, asserts that he remains a target of a political vendetta due to his criticism of the federal government’s handling of the migrant crisis.

On the presidential front, the poll reveals that former President Donald Trump is making notable headway in New York City. While Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris still holds a significant lead with 66% to Trump's 27% among likely voters for the upcoming presidential election, her numbers trail President Biden's 2020 performance in the city by about 10 percentage points. Should these figures persist, Harris could mark the worst performance for a Democratic presidential candidate in New York City since 1988.