Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s team has dismissed claims made by MP Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the “Squad,” suggesting that Cuomo is only running for mayor to bolster his presidential aspirations.
Cuomo is contending with current Mayor Eric Adams, who is seen as a moderate candidate in the crowded race for New York City mayor and is currently in the lead.
In contrast, Ocasio-Cortez is backing the socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, a state legislator from Astoria, who aims to reshape the Democratic landscape in the city.
“I don’t know where the far left got this ridiculous idea,” Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azopaldi remarked.
Cuomo has indicated that if he secures the mayoralty, he plans to establish himself as a national figure, although he hasn’t explicitly stated any intention to challenge President Donald Trump in the 2028 election.
Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez remarked on Mamdani’s campaign, suggesting that it’s clear Cuomo is angling for a run at the presidency.
She noted the issue of “gentolcyconcocry,” which seems to be a jab at older politicians, criticizing the idea of sending someone like a 67-year-old Cuomo to Gracie Mansion as merciless.
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, campaigns on a bold progressive platform, advocating for initiatives such as city-owned grocery stores, rent freezes, free public transportation, and a $30 minimum wage. His candidacy is considered a significant challenge to Cuomo.
The editorial board of the typically liberal New York Times has expressed skepticism about Mamdani’s approach, suggesting that while the socialist agenda isn’t unreasonable in addressing urban issues, it lacks a certain freshness in political style during these tough times.
As of Monday, several candidates competing against Cuomo have shown signs of support for each other in the ranked-choice voting system, which has elicited a casual response from Cuomo’s camp.
Notably, Michael Blake, D-Bronx, Director Bradford Lander, and Mamdani are hoping to secure higher placements on voters’ ranked ballots. Azopaldi commented on Blake’s low polling, indicating it might elicit little more than yawns from the Cuomo side.
On the Republican side, Curtis Threewa, founder of the Guardian Angels, has shared his reservations about the ranked-choice voting process.
