Andrew Cuomo has decided not to withdraw from the New York City mayoral race by the approaching Friday deadline, sources indicate. As a result, he will maintain his position on the “Fight & Deliver” ballot line for the upcoming November election, despite conceding the Democratic primary to candidate Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday night.
Though Cuomo has not committed to an active campaign through the summer and fall, his decision suggests he is banking on differences in the broader electorate compared to the Democratic primary voters, who were motivated by Mamdani’s emphasis on affordability and his engaging campaign videos. Cuomo’s team believes that Mamdani’s proposals—including a rent freeze and city-operated grocery stores—might come under increased scrutiny now that Mamdani appears to secure a win in the Democratic primary once the ranked-choice votes are counted.
Mamdani responded to the dynamics around the race, stating, “Ultimately Andrew’s decision and my decision matters less than the decision that voters already took on Tuesday night.” He remains confident following their initial encounter in the primary, noting, “We did it once and it turned out pretty well.”
Key political figures like New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have recognized Mamdani’s accomplishments since Tuesday, although they have refrained from offering endorsements. Meanwhile, two House Democrats from competitive suburban districts have voiced concerns over the primary results, labeling Mamdani as a target for criticism from Republicans who seek to link him with national Democratic issues.
Cuomo’s presence on the ballot leaves a potential pathway open for him to attempt a political comeback four years after his resignation amid unproven sexual harassment allegations. While previously viewed as a frontrunner, Cuomo had faced backlash from progressives over these accusations and his management of the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly fueled enthusiasm for Mamdani.
Cuomo aims to position himself as a viable option for moderates and progressives wary of Mamdani’s democratic socialist stance or Adams, who has faced issues of his own, including a federal indictment related to bribery. Interesting to note is that Cuomo could retain his place on the ballot without an active campaign, reminiscent of a similar strategy he employed in 2002 when he withdrew from a gubernatorial bid but remained on the ballot as the Liberal Party candidate.
As of now, Cuomo has not outlined a specific timeline for determining whether to engage in an active campaign or when he might re-launch his political aspirations. Sources highlight, “There’s no clock ticking,” suggesting a calm approach as the race develops.
Overall, this event reflects a continually evolving political landscape in New York City, where voters are engaged and options abound, paving the way for a dynamic electoral race.