Cuomo humorously suggests he might relocate to Florida if Mamdani wins the NYC mayoral election.

Cuomo’s Mayoral Challenge Sparks Buzz

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo seemed to be in a light-hearted mood during a recent event. Although he lost to Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic primary, he intends to run as an independent in the general election. His comments during a breakfast gathering with political insiders in the Hamptons prompted laughter, yet they also underscored the mounting concerns about the direction of the city’s politics.

This particular gathering was organized by businessman John Catsimatidis at 75 Main in Southampton. Catsimatidis, who is a GOP donor and radio host, also owns the Gristedes and D’Agostino supermarket chains, making him directly interested in Mamdani’s proposal to establish a government-run grocery store.

Attendees included notable figures such as RXR Realty Chairman Bruce Mosler, Ambassador George Tsunis, and former Cuomo aide Melissa Derosa. One participant remarked that Cuomo’s joke was an “amazing” moment, and many guests shared that other conversations were buzzing throughout the gathering.

Interestingly, Donald Trump remarked that Cuomo stands a “good shot” in his comeback against Mamdani in the upcoming election.

Rich Azzopardi, a senior advisor to Cuomo, weighed in, emphasizing Cuomo’s ongoing commitment to New York. He expressed concerns about the city’s future, referencing the danger posed by electing a “dangerously inexperienced, hatred-spewing 33-year-old socialist.”

Throughout the event, Cuomo disparaged Mamdani’s proposals, labeling his rent freeze idea a “death sentence” for landlords while dismissing his campaign slogans as mere “bumper sticker” material. Notably, Mamdani’s campaign has so far not responded to requests for comment.

Cuomo didn’t shy away from criticizing current Mayor Eric Adams, also an independent candidate, stating that no competent mayor has come since Bloomberg. He pointed to ongoing investigations and ethics issues, implying that Adams is not effectively leading the city.

When asked about Cuomo’s remarks, Adams quipped that Cuomo should go ahead and move to Florida if he is serious about it, referencing Cuomo’s perceived extended stays in the Hamptons.