Cuomo Calls Sliwa a Campaign Spoiler
In a recent interview, New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo criticized his Republican opponent Curtis Sliwa, labeling him a “spoiler” in the election while also taking aim at Democratic candidate Zoran Mamdani. Cuomo expressed skepticism about Mamdani’s Democratic credentials, asserting, “He’s never been at 50% in the polls, and New Yorkers know that.” He added that Sliwa’s presence in the race could undermine Mamdani’s chances of winning.
During a discussion on John Catsimatidis’ radio show, Cuomo stated, “A vote for Curtis Sliwa is actually a vote for Zoran Mamdani.” He emphasized his belief that Sliwa posed a significant challenge for him, remarking on the difficulty of overcoming Sliwa’s established presence in the election.
Cuomo, a former governor, acknowledged the steep odds against him, claiming that Democratic voters outnumber others and that Sliwa’s past attempts have rendered him a formidable candidate. He expressed frustration over the lack of polling data suggesting Sliwa might be beatable, mentioning, “Whether he has a background of credibility or qualifications or not, he can’t win.” He firmly believed Sliwa could inadvertently aid Mamdani’s ascent to the mayoralty.
Polling data from September indicated Mamdani leading Cuomo by 20 points, with Sliwa’s approval rating sitting at 9%. Interestingly, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who has withdrawn from his re-election bid, had an approval rating of just 8%.
David Paleologos, who heads the Center for Political Research at Suffolk University, noted that New Yorkers are primarily concerned about affordability, crime, and the economy this election cycle.
Mamdani has campaigned on platforms advocating for rent freezes, city-operated grocery stores, and universally accessible childcare. He distinguishes himself from previous leaders, emphasizing a more independent approach. “I’m not going to be a mayor like Mayor Adams, who calls to figure out how to stay out of jail. And I’m not going to be a disgraced governor, like Andrew Cuomo,” he remarked during a Fox News segment.
