Cuomo and Adams Clash in NYC Mayor Race Over Anti-Mamdani Vote

In a heated race for New York City’s mayoral seat, former Governor Andrew Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams are throwing sharp punches at each other, both vying for the votes of moderates and conservatives wary of far-left Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. The two Democrats-turned-independents are pulling no punches in their bid to stand out against Mamdani and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

At a recent breakfast event in the Hamptons, Cuomo took a subtle jab at Adams, claiming the city hasn’t seen a competent mayor since Michael Bloomberg’s exit in 2013. He painted a picture of a city spiraling out of control, a not-so-veiled critique of Adams’ tenure. Meanwhile, Adams hit back hard, accusing Cuomo of leaving behind a mess of policies like bail reform and cannabis laws that he’s had to clean up. ‘I had to fix his mess,’ Adams declared, pointing to his own record as proof of progress.

Both men didn’t spare Mamdani either. Cuomo, in a half-joking tone, warned he’d move to Florida if Mamdani wins, though his campaign clarified it was humor meant to highlight the stakes of electing someone they call an inexperienced socialist. Adams, drawing on his past as a police officer, slammed Mamdani’s policies like reducing Rikers Island’s population and sending social workers to domestic violence calls—ideas he says could endanger communities. He poignantly recalled the tragic loss of NYPD Officers Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera, killed on such a call in 2022, to underscore the risks.

As the race tightens, it’s clear Adams and Cuomo are banking on their experience to sway voters uneasy about Mamdani’s progressive agenda. With the Democratic nomination already in Mamdani’s hands, the fight for the middle ground has never been fiercer. New Yorkers are left to decide: who can steer this ship back on course?