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Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed Monday that he will continue his campaign for New York City mayor as an independent candidate, just weeks after losing the Democratic primary to Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in a stunning upset.
“I’m in it to win it,” Cuomo wrote in a post on X, signaling his intention to stay in the race through the November general election.
Cuomo’s decision sets up a three-way general election between himself, Mamdani — the progressive 33-year-old state lawmaker who bested him in the June primary — and current Mayor Eric Adams, who is seeking a second term as an independent after facing mounting criticism from within his own party.
Cuomo’s Comeback Campaign Continues
Cuomo, 66, resigned as New York governor in 2021 amid a high-profile sexual harassment scandal that derailed his once-dominant political career. Despite the controversy, he remained a powerful figure in New York Democratic circles and entered the mayoral race earlier this year with strong name recognition, significant fundraising, and support from establishment figures.
Initially seen as the Democratic front-runner, Cuomo’s campaign stumbled in the face of an energized grassroots movement behind Mamdani, who ran on a democratic socialist platform focused on affordable housing, public transit expansion, and police accountability.
Cuomo conceded the primary on election night, praising Mamdani for “touching young people and inspiring them.” But speculation quickly mounted that he might continue as an independent — an option he has now made official.
A Three-Way Race Emerges
The general election will now feature:
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Zohran Mamdani, the official Democratic nominee and rising progressive voice in state politics.
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Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor who lost Democratic backing and is seeking re-election on an independent ticket.
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Andrew Cuomo, the former three-term governor now positioning himself as a centrist alternative.
Political analysts say Cuomo’s presence in the race could split the anti-Adams vote — or possibly siphon support from Mamdani among moderate Democrats uncomfortable with the progressive shift.
What’s at Stake
Cuomo’s entry into the general election could reshape the contest’s dynamics, potentially forcing candidates to expand their messaging beyond core constituencies. While Mamdani appeals to younger and more left-leaning voters, Cuomo may target traditional Democrats and older New Yorkers who recall his tenure as governor. Adams, meanwhile, is expected to court more conservative and working-class voters who supported his tough-on-crime messaging in 2021.
The next mayor will inherit a city grappling with challenges ranging from housing shortages and rising costs of living to debates over policing, education reform, and post-pandemic economic recovery.
Looking Ahead
With the general election just months away, each candidate now faces a different strategic path:
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Mamdani must consolidate the Democratic base while appealing to broader demographics.
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Adams will seek to defend his record amid growing scrutiny over his administration’s handling of public safety and migrant policy.
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Cuomo will need to reintroduce himself to voters and overcome lingering controversy to build a viable path back into public office.
One thing is clear: New York City’s 2025 mayoral election is now shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and closely watched races in the country.
