Andrew Cuomo Enters NYC Mayor Race as Independent After Primary Loss

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is shaking up the Big Apple’s mayoral race by throwing his hat in as an independent candidate. After a bruising defeat in the Democratic primary to democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, Cuomo is gearing up for a November showdown against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who also switched to independent status this year, Mamdani, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

Cuomo’s strategy, as reported, includes a bold call for trailing candidates to drop out by mid-September to avoid splitting the vote. While he remained on the ballot post-primary as an independent, Cuomo has kept his cards close, stating he’d analyze the ranked-choice voting numbers before deciding his next move. An official announcement is expected soon, according to a spokesman.

The race is already a political circus. Mamdani, a 33-year-old assemblyman, stunned the Democratic establishment with his primary win, pushing policies like higher taxes on the wealthy, government-run grocery stores, and universal childcare funded by public money. His outspoken criticism of Israel has also raised eyebrows, especially in contrast to Cuomo’s pro-Israel stance during the primary, which earned him significant backing from related donors.

Meanwhile, Mamdani has racked up endorsements from heavyweights like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, alongside growing support from labor and teachers’ unions. Recent polls, however, show a tight race, with Cuomo lagging behind Mamdani, Sliwa, and Adams, jockeying for third or fourth place.

Cuomo’s political comeback attempt isn’t without baggage. His three-term governorship ended in 2021 amid a storm of sexual harassment allegations, which he denied while apologizing for any discomfort caused. Republicans have also hammered him over alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 death data during his tenure. Still, Cuomo seems determined to reclaim a leadership role in a city facing complex challenges.

This mayoral race is shaping up to be a battle of ideologies, past records, and gritty determination. Will Cuomo’s experience outweigh his controversies, or will Mamdani’s progressive wave carry the day? New Yorkers, buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.