Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is likely to withdraw from the New York City mayoral race after his narrow defeat in the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani, with his campaign facing questions over its viability in the general election. Sources close to the Cuomo campaign have told the New York Post that the former governor will not run as an independent candidate, as there is no clear path to victory. Instead, his donors are reportedly evaluating whether to shift their support to Eric Adams, a former Brooklyn mayor, or another independent candidate. Cuomo, who faced a major loss in the primary, has not officially declared his withdrawal from the race, stating that he wishes to understand the general election landscape before making a final decision.
The race for the New York City mayor’s office has been one of the most competitive in recent years, with Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assembly member from Queens, emerging as the clear front-runner in the November general election. The race was decided by ranked-choice voting, which allowed voters to rank their preferences, and Mamdani’s victory has been attributed to his appeal to younger voters and his progressive policies. Despite his win, Mamdani has faced challenges from other prominent figures, including the disgraced former governor, who has been embroiled in numerous scandals. The political climate in New York City remains divided, with the Democratic Party struggling to unite under a single candidate, and the general election is expected to be a close contest.
Cuomo’s campaign, which was bolstered by millions in donations and political connections, has come under scrutiny following his primary defeat. While his campaign spokesperson has denied reports of his withdrawal from the race, stating that the person making such claims ‘is clearly not talking to the Governor,’ the campaign faces an uphill battle in securing the necessary support to win in November. Some analysts believe that Cuomo’s defeat has weakened his political standing and may have broader implications for his future in statewide politics. Meanwhile, the race for the mayor’s office continues to be a key event in the Democratic Party’s strategy, with candidates vying to represent the party’s values and secure the next mayor of the nation’s largest city.