New York City’s mayoral race is heating up. Zohran Mamdani leads the field, but his advantage somewhat narrows in a head-to-head match-up with Andrew Cuomo. This hotly contested race highlights how voters are weighing their choices for the city’s future. Beyond the numbers, this Marist Poll of New York City also captures what New Yorkers think about the quality of life in the city and how leadership will shape it moving forward.

Next, we ask: Is America still a capitalist icon? Support for capitalism has slipped in recent years, but socialism has not gained support. Poll findings reveal how Americans remain divided over the nation’s economic identity. While confidence in capitalism has softened, other models are not replacing it, leaving open questions about how people view the economy and its future.

And finally, from clothing to cologne, Americans weigh in on the worst gifts they have ever received. The responses highlight how memorable bad presents can be and may make you think twice before your next holiday shopping spree.