Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, has decided that he will not exit the New York City mayoral race by the stipulated Friday deadline to withdraw from the general election ballot. This decision, as reported by multiple sources including CNN, ensures that his previously devised contingency plans remain intact. Before he conceded to Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic primary, Cuomo had positioned himself to challenge both Mamdani and the incumbent Mayor Eric Adams in the upcoming November elections.
Although Cuomo quickly conceded to Mamdani just hours after primary results were made known, his intentions regarding the active campaigning strategy remain somewhat ambiguous. Reports indicate that he has not fully pledged to an intensive campaign throughout the summer and fall. Nonetheless, he will maintain his position on the “Fight & Deliver” ballot line for the forthcoming elections, as confirmed by three separate sources.
Cuomo’s strategy appears to hinge on the hypothesis that the city’s wider electorate will be distinctively different from the Democratic primary voters who rallied behind Mamdani, who emphasized affordability in his campaign and utilized effective online video strategies. The Cuomo camp anticipates that Mamdani and his policy proposals—ranging from initiating a rent freeze to advocating for city-operated grocery stores—will encounter increased scrutiny as he is poised to solidify his Democratic primary win once the ranked-choice votes are tallied next week.
Mamdani, in an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, remarked on the matter, stating, “Ultimately Andrew’s decision and my decision matters less than the decision that voters already took on Tuesday night.” He reflected on his previous encounter with Cuomo during the primary, suggesting confidence about his prospects moving forward, “We did it once and it turned out pretty well.”
Prominent figures such as New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have publicly commended Mamdani since the results were announced, though none have offered him explicit endorsements. Additionally, two House Democrats from vulnerable suburban districts have openly criticized Mamdani following the primary results, illustrating the mixed reception he has received. Meanwhile, Republicans have been quick to point out potential weaknesses in Mamdani’s platform, attempting to link national Democratic agendas with his candidacy.
Mamdani’s campaign now positions him against current Mayor Eric Adams, who has opted out of this year’s Democratic primary and is running as an independent. He will also face competition from Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, marking a contentious political landscape for the upcoming elections.
Cuomo’s decision to remain on the November ballot effectively reopens the possibility of a political comeback, nearly four years after he resigned from the governorship amidst allegations of sexual harassment, which he has consistently denied. Despite being once regarded as a frontrunner in the mayoral race, Cuomo’s past has left a cloud of discontent among progressive voters, particularly in light of his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and his subsequent harassment allegations that spurred liberal support for Mamdani.
Cuomo seems to be strategically positioning himself as a viable alternative for moderates and progressives who may be apprehensive about voting for Mamdani, described in media outlets as a 33-year-old democratic socialist, or for Adams, who faced federal bribery charges prior to the Trump administration’s decision to dismiss them.
Moreover, Cuomo’s history shows that he can remain on the ballot without actively campaigning, reminiscent of the 2002 scenario when he withdrew his Democratic primary bid for governor but still appeared on the ballot for the Liberal Party.
At present, Cuomo has not laid out a specific timeline for when he might decide to pivot to a more active campaigning stance, or if and when he will fully re-ignite his campaign efforts. Sources close to him express that “there’s no clock ticking,” allowing for an extended period of contemplation regarding his next moves in this unpredictable political arena.
As new developments unfold, it’s crucial to remain engaged with updates on Cuomo’s next steps and Mamdani’s strategies as they shape the future of New York City politics.
