Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has warned voters in Manhattan’s Washington Heights on Monday that President Donald Trump will send the National Guard to New York City if democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor on Tuesday night. The former governor’s remarks come as the mayoral race intensifies, with both candidates vying for the support of New York City residents who are eager for leadership that can counter the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding federal funding and urban governance.
Cuomo, who resigned from his gubernatorial post in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment, has emphasized that the city needs a mayor with experience and the ability to secure funding and prevent federal intervention. He accused Mamdani of being a socialist and warned that such a mayor would fail in the face of Trump’s policies. Trump, not on the ballot, has threatened to cut federal support for New York City if Mamdani wins, which Cuomo argues would be devastating for the city’s budget and services.
Mamdani, who defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, has vowed to implement policies that prioritize the working class and has criticized Trump’s rhetoric as divisive, labeling him a ‘communist.’ During a fiery final march from the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall, Mamdani accused Cuomo of receiving an endorsement from Trump, which Cuomo and his campaign denied. The campaign has called Mamdani’s claim a lie, asserting that Cuomo remains a proud Democrat and has a proven track record of resisting Trump’s administration.
Cuomo also raised concerns about the potential consequences of a Mamdani victory, suggesting that the city would struggle to manage Trump’s demands. The former governor emphasized the need for a leader who can protect New York from federal interference, framing the election as a referendum on socialism. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s campaign has highlighted his commitment to working-class communities, positioning him as the best candidate to navigate Trump’s policies and secure the city’s resources.
On the eve of the election, both candidates are actively campaigning across the city, with Cuomo meeting voters in various boroughs and Mamdani launching a canvass in Queens. The political stakes are high, as the outcome could influence not only New York City’s future but also its relationship with the federal government under Trump. Observers note that the election is as much about political loyalty and ideology as it is about who can best manage the city’s complex challenges.