Cuomo criticizes Mamdani in a Fox News Channel interview.

Cuomo Warns of City Exodus if Mamdani Wins Election

Independent New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo expressed concerns on Monday that many residents might leave the city if Democratic candidate Zoran Mamdani is elected in November. During a discussion with Bill Hemmer on “America’s Newsroom,” Cuomo pointed to Mamdani’s democratic socialist policies, which he believes would lead to increased taxes and push people away from urban areas.

“If we keep taxing New York City’s corporations and wealthy residents, there will be no one left,” Cuomo stated.

Cuomo Returns as Independent

Mamdani had previously defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary and now the former governor is running as an independent competitor. He is also facing off against Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani is seen as likely to secure victory in the general election.

Critics, particularly moderates and conservatives, have targeted Mamdani’s democratic socialist approach, which includes policies like a rent freeze, increased taxes on affluent citizens, and free public transportation for New Yorkers.

Cuomo commented on Mamdani’s platform, saying, “Well, Mamdani is a socialist Democrat. His response is always the same: tax businesses, tax the rich, raise taxes, offer everything for free—free transportation, free food. Free, free, free.” He added, “New Yorkers know there’s no such thing as free.”

Cuomo’s Perspective on Party Divisions

Cuomo characterized Mamdani’s campaign as indicative of a “civil war” within the Democratic Party, highlighting a divide between the party’s radical left and mainstream moderates like himself. He described the far-left faction as “socialists, anti-business, anti-police, anti-law and order, anti-Israel,” while emphasizing his own focus on job creation, law enforcement, and quality of life improvements.

Having been elected governor three times between 2010 and 2018, Cuomo resigned in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Questioning Experience

Cuomo also took aim at Mamdani’s relative inexperience, pointing out his limited accomplishments in government. “I know how to govern, but the far left has no idea how to govern. Zoran Mamdani has never held office—he’s a 34-year-old congressman with just three bills passed and the worst attendance record in the New York State Legislature,” Cuomo remarked.

He stressed the reality of the mayoral role, noting, “Being mayor means you have to manage and adapt. Any given day could present a storm, a shooting, or a terror threat.”