Cuomo’s Mayor Campaign: An Invisible Candidate

Andrew Cuomo is aiming for the mayoral position in New York City, but it seems he’s more distanced from voters than ever.

What’s going on with him?

As early voting approaches for the June 24th Democratic primary, the former governor has barely made any public appearances—just a couple of discussions and a photo op during the Puerto Rico Day Parade on June 8th. No real meetings, though. It’s as if he’s built a wall around himself.

This is quite a contrast to the Cuomo we remember, who practically had a press conference every day during the pandemic lockdown and claimed millions were tuning in.

Now, it seems he’s cloaked himself in a veil of arrogance, believing that despite his controversies, his nomination is practically guaranteed without much effort.

His qualifications are, frankly, a bit unsettling and far too familiar.

Last week, Cuomo’s absence became a punchline when New York magazine released a video of Democratic candidates discussing spaghetti and meatballs—where only a cardboard cutout of Cuomo made an appearance, grinning awkwardly.

And, well, it could have used the sound of crickets.

Cuomo has been more active in my inbox, sending out sporadic emails about endorsements, but not much else. He did speak at Al Sharpton’s National Action Network recently, mostly criticizing Donald Trump, yet, his public engagements remain sparse.

Not long ago, he was viewed as the frontrunner, initially outshining his opponents in every poll. His strategy of avoiding media scrutiny might have seemed wise, especially considering the fallout from his time in office, marked by nursing home deaths and multiple sexual harassment allegations leading to his resignation in 2021.

However, as he glides towards what seemed like an easy win, fresh competition has emerged; a vibrant new candidate has taken the spotlight.

The rapper-turned-socialist candidate has gained significant momentum, presenting himself as a relatable figure in contrast to Cuomo’s fading presence.

Mamdani has effectively mobilized supporters and raised funds through grassroots campaigns, encouraging voters not to support Cuomo at all. Polling analyses suggest this could significantly harm Cuomo’s chances.

Support from progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez only strengthens Mamdani’s position, reminiscent of her unexpected win against Joe Crowley in 2018.

While Mamdani may not be ideally suited to run a city, he has managed to engage with younger audiences and finessed his strategy in various languages, promoting an enticing vision of a new era for New York.

Cuomo’s calculated absence makes it all the more striking against this backdrop.

When looking at Donald Trump’s approach, he remained consistently present during the 2024 race, actively rallying support no matter the controversies surrounding him. Cuomo appears unwilling to take similar steps.

If he continues to evade interactions with voters and media, he might be able to dodge discussing his past follies and political missteps.

A few months back, amid a lackluster Democratic talent pool and Mayor Adams’ struggles, Cuomo’s return to political office seemed almost certain. His candidacy had the potential to ride the wave of New Yorkers’ frustrations with rising crime and homelessness.

Yet, in today’s fast-paced online world, where attention spans are fleeting, Mamdani’s fresh appeal could very well complicate Cuomo’s ambitions, potentially altering the political landscape in New York City.

Cuomo seems to be treating this race as a foregone conclusion, but it feels like he’s underestimating the electorate.