Andrew Cuomo to continue New York mayoral bid as independent

WASHINGTON

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that he will continue his campaign for New York City mayor as an independent candidate, despite losing last month’s Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani.

“I’m in it to win it,” Cuomo declared in a message posted on X.

In his video message, Cuomo criticized Mamdani’s “slick slogans” and promised to fight for “lower rent, safer streets, where buying your first home is once again possible.”

The election for the mayor of New York City is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 amid multiple sexual harassment allegations but was still seen as a leading contender due to his deep ties with the Democratic establishment.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman, surged ahead in the final weeks with a progressive platform focused on addressing housing affordability, public safety, and child care.

He is a self-described democratic socialist who was first elected to the State Assembly in 2020, championing issues like transportation, housing reform, and energy. Mamdani has also been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, backing the BDS movement and calling for an end to US military funding to Israel.

Incumbent mayor Eric Adams, a former Democrat, is also running for re-election as an independent.