49.1% of Asian Americans voted for Mamdani: AAF, AALDEF exit poll
1-Asian American voters favored Mamdani for mayor, including 20% of 2024 Trump voters
About half (49.1%) of Asian American voters who participated in the exit poll voted for Mamdani and roughly one-third (33.8%) voted for Cuomo. Notably, an overwhelming 87.2% of South Asian voters cast their ballots for Mamdani, while 9.6% voted for Cuomo.
Who respondents voted for in the 2024 presidential election made a difference in their choices for mayor. Nearly three-quarters of those who voted for Harris in 2024 cast their ballot on Election Day 2025 for Mamdani, while 65% of those who voted for Trump in 2024 voted for Cuomo.
However, significantly, 20% of those who voted for Trump in 2024 voted for Mamdani.
2-Economy was the Most Important Issue for Asian American voters in this election
The economy, including jobs, was by far the top factor influencing the votes of Asian Americans in our exit poll, identified by 50.2% of Asian American voters who participated in the poll as a top issue informing their vote in this election.
The second most important factor was public safety (selected by 31.9% of voters), followed by democracy (28%), housing (25.2%), and healthcare (25.2%).
Importantly, respondents in our exit poll could select multiple factors that influenced their vote, up to a maximum of 17, as well as a write-in option.
There were similarities and differences in the top five factors influencing Asian Americans who voted for different candidates. Regardless of vote choice, the economy/jobs and healthcare mattered. However, those who cast their ballot for Cuomo were significantly more likely to cite public safety, while democracy and housing played a larger role for voters for Mandani.
3-Asian American youth vote surged in this election
While 10% of Asian Americans polled were first-time voters in this election, this figure rises to 20% among respondents ages 18 to 29.
4-Asian American voters reject President Trump’s approach to immigration policy
More than half of Asian Americans who participated in the exit poll strongly disapprove (40.4%) or disapprove (18.1%) of President Trump’s approach to immigration policy while roughly one quarter strongly approve (11.5%) or approve (14.1%).
“The results of the exit poll show that Asian American voters in New York City are not a monolith — they are discerning, issue-driven, and deeply engaged in shaping the city’s future,” said Catherine Chen, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian American Federation. “When half of our community names the economy as their top concern, and at a time when SNAP benefits are being taken away, it’s a reminder that elected leaders must engage with us not only during election season but in shaping policies that secure opportunity and fairness year-round.”
More than 70 volunteers spoke to 1,268 voters after they exited poll sites across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. — Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund; Asian American Federation
