Andrew Cuomo aims for political comeback in NYC Democratic mayoral primary against Zohran Mamdani
Shreeaa Rathi | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jun 25, 2025, 19:44 IST
( Image credit : AP, TOIGLOBAL )
In New York City, Andrew Cuomo is making a bold bid for a comeback in the Democratic mayoral primary, leaning on his extensive political resume. However, he faces a significant challenge from Zohran Mamdani, a progressive candidate energized by endorsements from influential leaders. The results of this primary will serve as a litmus test for the Democratic Party's future.
Andrew Cuomo, the former New York State governor who resigned in 2021, is a frontrunner in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary held on Tuesday, aiming for a political comeback by highlighting his experience and vowing to protect the city from potential threats. Cuomo faces a challenge from Zohran Mamdani, a progressive state assembly member endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, who criticizes Cuomo's ties to wealthy donors, while the primary results are seen as a barometer for the Democratic Party's direction, further complicated by incumbent Mayor Eric Adams running as an Independent and the potential for a low voter turnout due to high temperatures. The election uses a ranked-choice voting system, and the outcome could significantly impact the Democratic Party's future and its ability to counter Trumpism.
Andrew Cuomo is attempting a major political comeback. He is vying for New York City's Democratic mayoral nomination.
Cuomo, who resigned from office in 2021 amid scandals, is leading an 11-candidate field. He is emphasizing his experience.
Cuomo told supporters at a union hall rally, "We know that we can make government work because that’s what we did in New York State. They said we couldn’t do it. We did it," as he pointed to his progressive achievements as governor.
Cuomo is showcasing his resolve to defend New York City from perceived threats from Trump.
"Democrats, we are going to stand strong, stand united, stand tall, you’re not going to separate us," Cuomo stated, referring to the Republican president. "We’re going to lock arms, and we’re going to go forward."
Cuomo has pledged to protect New York City from a possible future Trump administration crackdown against immigration protests. He also vowed to "stand up to Trump before his antics reach New York."
Cuomo, who is 67 years old, has spent the past four years trying to clear his name after facing 11 sexual harassment accusations, which he denies. He was also under investigation for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into Cuomo following Republican accusations that he lied to Congress about his decisions as governor during the pandemic.
Cuomo has faced criticism from his primary rivals regarding these issues.
Marist University Institute for Public Opinion Director Lee M. Miringoff said that "there’s a general sense that New Yorkers are willing to provide someone a second chance."
Cuomo's main challenger is Mamdani, who has gained ground in the polls.
Mamdani has criticized Cuomo, pointing out that many of Cuomo's donors supported Trump in the last presidential election.
Mamdani’s campaign argued in an email to supporters, "Oligarchy is on the ballot. Andrew Cuomo is the candidate of a billionaire class that is suffocating our democracy and forcing the working class out of our city."
Cuomo's campaign has described Mamdani as a "dangerously inexperienced legislator." They tout Cuomo's experience in managing a state and crises, including COVID and Trump.
Cuomo said on the eve of the primary, "The mayor of the city of New York is the CEO of one of the largest corporations on the globe. This is not a job for a novice. This is not a job... for on the job training. We need someone who knows what they’re doing on day one because your lives depend on it."
Mamdani, who supports eliminating bus fares and making City University of New York tuition-free, received endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
These endorsements aimed to consolidate progressive voter support behind Mamdani.
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is also a candidate. He was arrested in Manhattan by Department of Homeland Security agents for allegedly assaulting a federal officer.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 100 degrees in New York on Tuesday. This may reduce voter turnout, especially among older voters.
New York City election officials reported that over 384,000 Democrats voted early.
The election uses a ranked-choice voting system. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the lowest vote-getter is dropped, and their votes are reallocated.
Mamdani hopes the ranked-choice process will improve his chances against Cuomo.
The primary is occurring as the Democratic Party seeks to recover from recent election losses.
Miringoff stated the results of the primary will be seen as a barometer of which way the Democratic Party is headed, toward the center if Cuomo wins – and toward the left if Mamdani is victorious.
The center-left Democrat-aligned group Third Way said in a memo they were "deeply alarmed" over the prospect of a Mamdani victory.
"A Mamdani win for such a high-profile office would be a devastating blow in the fight to defeat Trumpism," the group argued.
The winner of the Democratic primary is usually considered the frontrunner in the general election.
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, a moderate Democrat, is running for re-election as an Independent.
Adams dropped his Democratic primary bid due to low approval ratings.
Adams made overtures to President Donald Trump, and the Justice Department dismissed corruption charges against him.
Cuomo or Mamdani could run as an independent or third-party candidate in the general election if they lose the Democratic primary.
Curtis Sliwa is the Republican nominee for mayor.
Andrew Cuomo is attempting a major political comeback. He is vying for New York City's Democratic mayoral nomination.
Cuomo, who resigned from office in 2021 amid scandals, is leading an 11-candidate field. He is emphasizing his experience.
Cuomo told supporters at a union hall rally, "We know that we can make government work because that’s what we did in New York State. They said we couldn’t do it. We did it," as he pointed to his progressive achievements as governor.
Cuomo is showcasing his resolve to defend New York City from perceived threats from Trump.
"Democrats, we are going to stand strong, stand united, stand tall, you’re not going to separate us," Cuomo stated, referring to the Republican president. "We’re going to lock arms, and we’re going to go forward."
Cuomo has pledged to protect New York City from a possible future Trump administration crackdown against immigration protests. He also vowed to "stand up to Trump before his antics reach New York."
Cuomo, who is 67 years old, has spent the past four years trying to clear his name after facing 11 sexual harassment accusations, which he denies. He was also under investigation for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into Cuomo following Republican accusations that he lied to Congress about his decisions as governor during the pandemic.
Cuomo has faced criticism from his primary rivals regarding these issues.
Marist University Institute for Public Opinion Director Lee M. Miringoff said that "there’s a general sense that New Yorkers are willing to provide someone a second chance."
Cuomo's main challenger is Mamdani, who has gained ground in the polls.
Mamdani has criticized Cuomo, pointing out that many of Cuomo's donors supported Trump in the last presidential election.
Mamdani’s campaign argued in an email to supporters, "Oligarchy is on the ballot. Andrew Cuomo is the candidate of a billionaire class that is suffocating our democracy and forcing the working class out of our city."
Cuomo's campaign has described Mamdani as a "dangerously inexperienced legislator." They tout Cuomo's experience in managing a state and crises, including COVID and Trump.
Cuomo said on the eve of the primary, "The mayor of the city of New York is the CEO of one of the largest corporations on the globe. This is not a job for a novice. This is not a job... for on the job training. We need someone who knows what they’re doing on day one because your lives depend on it."
Mamdani, who supports eliminating bus fares and making City University of New York tuition-free, received endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
These endorsements aimed to consolidate progressive voter support behind Mamdani.
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is also a candidate. He was arrested in Manhattan by Department of Homeland Security agents for allegedly assaulting a federal officer.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 100 degrees in New York on Tuesday. This may reduce voter turnout, especially among older voters.
New York City election officials reported that over 384,000 Democrats voted early.
The election uses a ranked-choice voting system. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the lowest vote-getter is dropped, and their votes are reallocated.
Mamdani hopes the ranked-choice process will improve his chances against Cuomo.
The primary is occurring as the Democratic Party seeks to recover from recent election losses.
Miringoff stated the results of the primary will be seen as a barometer of which way the Democratic Party is headed, toward the center if Cuomo wins – and toward the left if Mamdani is victorious.
The center-left Democrat-aligned group Third Way said in a memo they were "deeply alarmed" over the prospect of a Mamdani victory.
"A Mamdani win for such a high-profile office would be a devastating blow in the fight to defeat Trumpism," the group argued.
The winner of the Democratic primary is usually considered the frontrunner in the general election.
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, a moderate Democrat, is running for re-election as an Independent.
Adams dropped his Democratic primary bid due to low approval ratings.
Adams made overtures to President Donald Trump, and the Justice Department dismissed corruption charges against him.
Cuomo or Mamdani could run as an independent or third-party candidate in the general election if they lose the Democratic primary.
Curtis Sliwa is the Republican nominee for mayor.