Cuomo Challenges Mamdani Again in New York Mayoral Run \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Andrew Cuomo announced he will run for New York City mayor as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to progressive Zohran Mamdani. Cuomo criticized Mamdani for lacking practical solutions and pledged to “save the city.” The general election now features multiple candidates, sparking concerns over a split anti-Mamdani vote.
Quick Looks
- Former NY Governor Cuomo is running as an independent for NYC mayor
- He lost to Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic primary by 12 points
- Cuomo criticized Mamdani’s progressive agenda and lack of solutions
- The general election also includes Mayor Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa
- Adams is also running as an independent after withdrawing from the primary
- Anti-Mamdani supporters worry about splitting the vote among moderates
- Cuomo’s “Fight and Deliver” party line ensures ballot access in November
- Key endorsements and donors have moved away from Cuomo post-primary
- Mamdani’s grassroots campaign and digital strategy boosted his momentum
- Cuomo’s comeback follows his 2021 resignation amid harassment claims
Deep Look
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is officially back in the political spotlight, declaring Monday that he will run for mayor of New York City as an independent candidate. This marks his second attempt at the office in 2025, coming just weeks after his defeat in the Democratic primary to left-wing state lawmaker Zohran Mamdani.
Cuomo, who served as governor for over a decade before resigning in disgrace in 2021, announced his campaign in a new video, taking aim at Mamdani’s progressive politics. “The fight to save our city isn’t over,” Cuomo said. “Only 13 percent of New Yorkers voted in the June primary. The general election is in November, and I am in it to win it.”
He accused Mamdani, the rising star of the city’s progressive wing, of relying on “slick slogans but no real solutions.” The 33-year-old Mamdani has pushed a bold leftist agenda that includes raising taxes on the wealthy, major housing reforms, and expanded social programs. While beloved by younger voters, his platform has drawn criticism from establishment Democrats and conservative-leaning New Yorkers.
Cuomo’s decision to continue his campaign reflects a larger concern among moderate and center-left figures: that Mamdani could cruise to victory in a crowded field. With incumbent Mayor Eric Adams also opting to run as an independent, and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa on the Republican line, the anti-Mamdani vote is at risk of splintering—potentially handing the progressive candidate an easy win.
Cuomo has retained ballot access through an independent party he created, “Fight and Deliver,” allowing him to sidestep another bruising primary battle. His continued candidacy, however, has fractured the Democratic establishment. Major labor unions that once stood by him have now endorsed Mamdani, while civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton publicly urged Cuomo to withdraw.
Adding to the complexity, Adams is mounting his own independent campaign after withdrawing from the primary. His decision came shortly after the dismissal of a federal corruption case against him, a move made at the request of former President Trump’s Justice Department. Adams, still technically a Democrat, has picked up financial support from several major donors who once favored Cuomo.
Cuomo’s reentry into the race comes as part of a broader effort to rehabilitate his political image following a tumultuous exit from office. Once praised nationally for his leadership during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic—with his daily televised briefings earning widespread attention—Cuomo’s legacy unraveled amid scandal.
He was accused by the New York attorney general’s office of sexually harassing at least 11 women, leading to his resignation in August 2021. He denied wrongdoing, framing the investigation as politically motivated. The scandal followed another controversy involving the underreporting of nursing home deaths during the pandemic, which further eroded public trust.
Despite those setbacks, Cuomo entered the 2025 mayoral race with name recognition, political clout, and a formidable war chest. However, his campaign strategy during the Democratic primary—minimal public appearances, few unscripted events, and limited voter engagement—stood in stark contrast to Mamdani’s grassroots momentum.
Mamdani energized a large base of young, diverse voters with a dynamic on-the-ground and social media campaign. Volunteers canvassed tirelessly, while Mamdani’s bold persona on platforms like TikTok helped him gain national attention. He ultimately defeated Cuomo by 12 percentage points after ranked-choice votes were fully tabulated.
Cuomo’s independent bid now reopens the race and introduces new uncertainty heading into the November general election. Political analysts and activists who oppose Mamdani’s policies have called on the field to consolidate behind a single anti-progressive candidate to avoid splitting the vote. Whether that will happen remains unclear.
With New York City’s political future at stake, the mayoral race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and ideologically charged contests in recent memory.
Cuomo Challenges Mamdani Cuomo Challenges Mamdani
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