Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed on July 14 that he will continue his campaign for New York City mayor, just weeks after losing the Democratic primary to progressive State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.
“I’m in it to win it,” Cuomo declared in a post on X, signaling his decision to move forward as an independent candidate in the general election.
From Frontrunner to Underdog
Cuomo, once the dominant figure in New York politics, stepped down as governor in 2021 following a wave of sexual harassment allegations. Despite that cloud, his deep political connections made him an early favorite in the Democratic mayoral primary. But 33-year-old Mamdani surged late, fueled by a progressive platform that focused on housing affordability, public safety reform, and economic equity.
In a sharply worded social media post Monday, Cuomo took aim at his opponent. “We need a city with lower rent, safer streets, where buying your first home is once again possible, where childcare won’t bankrupt you,” he said. “You deserve a mayor with the experience and ideas to make it happen again — and the guts to take on anyone who stands in the way.”
Cuomo also acknowledged criticisms that his campaign lacked presence in the lead-up to the primary. “Every day I’m going to be hitting the streets… because for the next few months it’s my responsibility to earn your vote. So let’s do this.”
Running as an Independent
Cuomo is expected to appear on the November ballot under the “Fight and Deliver” party — a political line he created earlier this year in anticipation of possibly needing a non-Democratic path. While he conceded to Mamdani on primary night, it remained unclear whether he’d stay in the race until now.
In his concession, Cuomo praised Mamdani’s campaign as “highly impactful” and acknowledged his strong support among young voters. But Monday’s announcement showed Cuomo isn’t ready to walk away from public life — or from a fight.
Mamdani Fires Back
Mamdani, for his part, wasted no time responding. “While Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams trip over each other to win the approval of billionaires in backrooms, our campaign remains focused on working New Yorkers,” he posted on X. Mamdani also poked fun at Cuomo, accusing him of mimicking his social media tactics after footage emerged of Cuomo filming a campaign-style video in the city.
The Democratic nominee’s campaign has leaned heavily into grassroots messaging and has attempted to position him as the candidate of everyday people.
Crowded Field, Uncertain Outcome
Cuomo joins a general election race that already includes Mamdani, current Mayor Eric Adams — who is also running a third-party bid — and former federal prosecutor Jim Walden, also running as an independent. Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa is the Republican nominee.
Despite the city’s deep Democratic leanings, Mamdani’s opponents hope to rally around a more moderate challenger in the fall. Former Gov. David Paterson has even called for the field to consolidate behind whoever is most likely to defeat Mamdani.
Cuomo referenced that call in his campaign update, urging “all of us who love New York City” to unify against the Democratic nominee.
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