Andrew Cuomo is aiming to pull off the biggest political comeback since President Donald Trump won back the White House last November. New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary pits Cuomo against rising progressive Zohran Mamdani in a race that could signal the Democratic Party’s post-Trump direction. The former governor, who resigned from office in 2021 amid multiple scandals, is the frontrunner of an 11-candidate field vying for heavily blue New York City’s Democratic Party mayoral nomination.
Cuomo is highlighting his experience as he faces off against Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assembly member from Queens and a democratic socialist originally from Uganda. The former governor emphasized his track record of managing a state and handling crises, such as the pandemic, during a rally attended by supporters. He also took aim at Trump, vowing to protect New York City from what he argues are potential future Trump administration crackdowns on immigration protests.
Despite the hurdles, Cuomo’s campaign is optimistic that New Yorkers will provide him a second chance. However, the race is intensifying as Mamdani gains traction, supported by endorsements from prominent progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. Mamdani’s campaign has criticized Cuomo’s ties to the billionaire class and accused him of being out of touch with the working class. The primary, which uses a ranked-choice voting system, could significantly impact the future of the Democratic Party, shaping its direction ahead of the midterms and general elections.
The race also has broader implications as Democrats work to resist Trump’s policies and regain political momentum. With the incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, running as an independent and facing legal challenges, the primary’s outcome will have a lasting impact on New York City’s political landscape. The election, held amidst high temperatures that could sway voter turnout, is expected to be a pivotal moment in the Democratic Party’s strategy for the upcoming elections.