Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has decided to continue his bid for the New York City mayoral race, despite losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani. Cuomo, who served three terms as governor before resigning in 2021 amid scandals, will run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election.
Cuomo’s announcement came shortly after Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist state assemblyman from Queens, emerged victorious in the Democratic primary. Mamdani received 43.5% of the votes, while Cuomo garnered 36.4%, leading to a surprising upset in a crowded field of 11 candidates. Mamdani’s victory positions him as a potential historic figure, as he could become the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
In a statement, Cuomo acknowledged Mamdani’s win, saying, "Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won." However, he also indicated his intention to remain in the race, emphasizing that he is qualified to run as an independent in November. He mentioned that he wants to analyze the primary results and consult with colleagues before deciding on the best path forward.
Cuomo’s decision comes amid a challenging political landscape. He has faced numerous allegations, including sexual harassment and mishandling of COVID-19 data during his time as governor. Despite these controversies, his name recognition has kept him in the spotlight, and he was considered a frontrunner in the race.
Mamdani’s campaign resonated with younger voters and was bolstered by endorsements from prominent progressive figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. His platform included ambitious proposals such as eliminating public transit fares and making college tuition-free, which appealed to those frustrated with the city’s high cost of living.
As the ranked-choice voting process begins, Mamdani’s supporters hope to consolidate their votes to secure a strong position against Cuomo in the general election. Cuomo, on the other hand, is preparing for a broader voter base in November, stating that the general election will attract more voters than the Democratic primary.
Cuomo’s campaign will continue under the "Fight & Deliver" ballot line, but he has yet to fully commit to an active campaign. If he decides to withdraw later, his name will still appear on the ballot.
The upcoming election will also feature incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election as an independent, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. As the political landscape shifts, all eyes will be on how the dynamics between these candidates unfold in the months leading up to the election.