Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faced tough questions during a Democratic mayoral debate in New York City on June 4, 2025. This debate was the first of two leading up to the primary election set for June 24. Cuomo, who has been a prominent figure in the race, found himself under scrutiny for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly a Justice Department investigation into his actions during that time.
The debate kicked off with moderators asking candidates how they would respond to President Donald Trump if elected mayor. Cuomo quickly dismissed the investigation into his COVID-19 decisions as politically motivated, suggesting it was part of Trump’s tactics to undermine his reputation. “That’s the Trump line, the MAGA line, because this was during the Trump re-election,” he stated when pressed about his involvement in a controversial COVID-19 report.
Cuomo argued that the investigation was a continuation of what he called the pandemic’s political games. He accused Trump of using investigations as a strategy against various political figures, including himself and others like Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Chuck Schumer. Cuomo said, “This is what Mr. Trump does,” framing the inquiry as a tactic to distract from his own challenges.
During the debate, Cuomo maintained that he had been truthful in his congressional testimony regarding nursing home deaths during the pandemic. He firmly stated, “No, I told Congress the truth. No, we did not undercount any deaths.” However, he sidestepped questions about his role in creating the disputed COVID-19 report.
Cuomo, who has high name recognition and is leading in polls and fundraising, was joined on stage by several other Democratic candidates, including City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and former city Comptroller Scott Stringer. The winner of this primary is expected to be the favorite in the general election in November.
As the debate progressed, Cuomo emphasized his experience as governor, claiming he knows how to handle Trump, having done so in the past. He stated, “I am the last person on this stage that Mr. Trump wants to see as mayor, and that’s why I should be the first choice for the people of this city.”
The primary election will feature early voting from June 14 to June 22, and the outcome could significantly shape the future of New York City politics. As Cuomo continues to navigate his campaign amidst ongoing scrutiny, the debate highlighted the challenges he faces in addressing his past while seeking to regain political ground.