Surveys of 1,626 Muslim Voters in NY, VA, NJ, and CA show overwhelming support for Zohran Mamdani, Ghazala Hashmi, Mikie Sherrill, and California Proposition 50
(WASHINGTON, DC – 11/10/2025) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and CAIR Action, one of the nation’s leading Muslim political organizations, today released post-election exit poll findings from four states – New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and California – showing high turnout and overwhelming support among American Muslim voters for Zohran K. Mamdani (97%), Ghazala Hashmi (95%), Mikie Sherrill (84%), and California’s Proposition 50 (92%).
Methodology and Oversight: The surveys, conducted immediately after polls closed in each state and open for 48 hours, drew 1,626 self-identified Muslim respondents out of 196,463 likely Muslim voters contacted by text message between November 4–6. The survey was based on a randomized sample drawn from a national voter database of self-identified Muslim voters. While results were not weighted by demographic factors such as age or gender, they provide one of the clearest data-driven snapshots to date of Muslim voter participation and engagement in the 2025 elections.
Tracking Muslim Representation Nationwide: Earlier this week, CAIR and CAIR Action reported 38 confirmed victories out of at least 76 Muslim candidates who appeared on ballots across the nation in 2025, marking another record year of representation.
Those results included Zohran K. Mamdani’s election as New York City’s first Muslim mayor and Ghazala Hashmi’s victory as Virginia’s first Muslim woman elected to statewide office, alongside dozens of municipal, judicial, and legislative wins.
In a joint statement, CAIR and CAIR Action said:
“These exit poll results highlight an encouraging truth: American Muslims are showing up, speaking out, and shaping the future of our democracy.
“Across four states, Muslim voters demonstrated remarkable engagement and commitment to the civic process, casting ballots that reflect their growing role as active participants in American life. In the face of anti-Muslim bigotry, they are rising to build a better future for themselves and their neighbors, proving that participation, not prejudice, defines our nation’s strength.
“With strong turnout and expanding voter infrastructure, American Muslims were positioned to impact several critical races in this election cycle and are poised to play an even greater role in the upcoming 2026 midterms.
“CAIR and CAIR Action plan to continue investing in civic-engagement initiatives to help every American Muslim voter feel empowered, informed, and ready to make their voice heard in every election.”
Exit Poll Results by State
New York City (314 Respondents): 97% of Muslim Voters Back Zohran Mamdani for Mayor
- In New York City, 97% of surveyed Muslim voters supported Zohran K. Mamdani, who made history as the city’s first Muslim mayor.
- Overall turnout was exceptionally high, with 93% reporting they had already voted and another 4% planning to vote, leaving just 2.6% abstaining.
- 54% of Muslims who voted reported voting in person on Election Day, 33% voted early in person, and 8% voted by mail, while 5% did not vote – demonstrating robust in-person participation and strong community engagement in the electoral process.
Virginia (403 Respondents): 95% Support for Ghazala Hashmi; Broad Backing for Spanberger and Jones
- In Virginia, 95% of Muslim respondents voted for Lt. Gov.–elect Ghazala Hashmi, the first Muslim woman ever elected to statewide office in U.S. history.
- Additionally, 86% supported Abagail Spanberger for governor and 86% supported Jay Jones for attorney general – clear alignment with candidates emphasizing civil rights, inclusion, and good governance.
- Overall turnout among Muslim respondents reached 93%, demonstrating exceptional voter engagement in the commonwealth.
New Jersey (419 Respondents): 84% of Muslim Voters Back Mikie Sherrill
- In New Jersey, 84% of Muslim respondents voted for Mikie Sherrill for governor, with just over 5% supporting Jack Ciattarelli and the remainder split among smaller third-party candidates.
- More than 93% of respondents reported voting or planning to vote, reflecting steady civic participation and confidence in the electoral process.
- Nearly 78% voted in person – 57% on Election Day and 22% during early voting – while 16% voted by mail, reflecting both strong same-day participation and continued adoption of early and absentee voting options.
California (394 Respondents): 92% Back Proposition 50; 70% Vote by Mail
- In California, 92% of Muslim voters supported Proposition 50. In comparison, only 7% voted against the measure requiring legislators suspended for corruption or serious misconduct to forfeit salary and benefits – part of broader ethics and transparency reforms.
- Nearly 70% voted by mail and 20% voted in person, reflecting strong institutional trust and sustained Muslim civic involvement across the state.
CAIR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and America’s largest Muslim civil-rights organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, CAIR does not endorse or oppose candidates for office and makes no claims as to the favorability of one candidate being elected over another.
CAIR Action is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization dedicated to engaging, educating, and mobilizing Muslim voters, training emerging leaders, and advancing policy priorities that improve community well-being and representation.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert S. McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR Action Senior Advisor Ali Aljarrah, media@cairaction.org