Andrew Cuomo Confirms NYC Mayoral Ballot Presence Despite Primary Loss, Setting Stage for November Showdown

The New York City mayoral race is poised for a dramatic November election, as former Governor Andrew Cuomo has confirmed he will remain on the general election ballot. This decision comes despite his recent concession in the Democratic primary to progressive challenger Zohran Mamdani earlier this week. Sources close to Cuomo indicate he will not remove himself by the Friday deadline, keeping his secured “Fight & Deliver” ballot line intact.

Cuomo’s strategy appears to hinge on the belief that the broader city electorate will differ significantly from the Democratic primary voters who were energized by Mamdani’s focus on affordability and online campaign. His camp also anticipates increased scrutiny on Mamdani’s policy proposals, such as rent freezes and city-operated grocery stores, now that he is on track to secure the Democratic nomination following the allocation of ranked-choice votes next week.

Reacting to the prospect of facing Cuomo again, Mamdani stated, “We did it once and it turned out pretty well.” Notably, prominent New York Democrats like Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have praised Mamdani since his primary performance but have refrained from offering an endorsement.

This move marks a potential continuation of Cuomo’s bid for a political comeback, four years after his resignation amidst sexual harassment allegations, which he has denied. Once considered a front-runner, Cuomo faced significant progressive backlash during the primary over these allegations and his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic as governor. He is now positioned to potentially appeal to moderates and progressives wary of Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, or incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent after opting out of the Democratic primary. Republican Curtis Sliwa is also on the November ballot.

While Cuomo has not committed to an active campaign, his presence on the ballot leaves the door open for a full re-engagement in the coming months, a tactic he previously employed in 2002.

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