AP-NORC Poll Reveals Favorable Views for NYC Mayor Mamdani Among Jewish Americans

A recent poll conducted by AP-NORC shows New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is viewed more favorably by Jewish Americans than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite scrutiny regarding his stance on Israel and the conflict in Gaza, Mamdani holds a stronger net favorability among Jewish respondents. This indicates a shift towards more nuanced opinions among American Jews concerning political figures in Israel and the U.S.

According to the survey, Democratic support for Palestinians has increased, while backing for Israel within the party has declined. Mamdani’s perspective on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a focal point in his political ascent in New York. He has refrained from condemning the phrase “globalize the intifada,” emphasizing his stance against antisemitism and violence toward Jews, though his comments have been criticized by other political figures as potentially encouraging violence.

In a meeting with business leaders, Mamdani later stated he would “discourage” the term’s use. He has also actively condemned antisemitic acts, such as swastikas defacing synagogues and homes in New York. Promising to safeguard Jewish communities, Mamdani intends to boost investments in hate-crime prevention while withdrawing several Israel-related executive orders signed by former Mayor Eric Adams.

The AP-NORC poll demonstrated Netanyahu’s favorability among Jewish adults at 32 percent with 59 percent unfavorable views. On the other hand, Mamdani achieved 44 percent favorability against 39 percent unfavorable views. Mamdani’s net favorability stood at 5 percent, in contrast to Netanyahu’s -27 percent.

The poll also indicated that 38 percent of respondents believe the U.S. is overly supportive of Israel, whereas 24 percent feel the U.S. is too supportive of Palestinians. When inquired if Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians, 30 percent of Jewish adults agreed, while 49 percent disagreed, and 21 percent lacked sufficient knowledge to answer.

Among the Jewish adults surveyed, 59 percent identified as Democrats, 27 percent as Republicans, and 14 percent as independents or not leaning towards any side. The study spanned June 11 to June 17, involving 1,022 Jewish adults, featuring a 5 percent margin of error.

Data from the Associated Press reveals a significant shift in Democratic perspectives since early 2024, with almost six in ten Democrats seeing excessive U.S. support for Israel, compared to 45 percent in January 2024. Among Jewish Democrats, 51 percent share this view in the latest poll. Additionally, 62 percent of Democrats believe the U.S. is “not supportive enough” of Palestinians, having risen from 49 percent two years earlier.

The poll shows 40 percent of Jewish adults approve of former President Donald Trump’s management of Israel-related issues, while 58 percent express disapproval.

Further comparisons between Mamdani and Netanyahu reveal the complex political dynamics surrounding Israel among American Jews and Democrats. A Harvard/Harris poll in the spring reflected Mamdani’s 24 percent favorability rating against a 33 percent unfavorable view, while Netanyahu held a 27 percent favorable score versus a 34 percent unfavorable rating. Mamdani’s net favorability was marked at -9 percent against Netanyahu’s -7 percent.

In response to Mamdani’s recent comments on Israel, Netanyahu criticized his stance emphasizing Israel as a “state with equal rights” and not one “privileging one religion over the other.” During a CNN interview, Netanyahu described Mamdani’s position as “absurd,” asserting Israel’s status as an imperfect democracy, akin to the United States.