Buttigieg Criticizes Cuomo, Offers Support for Mamdani
In Washington, potential presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has taken aim at former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and criticized socialist Democratic mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani.
While Buttigieg previously commended Mamdani’s “extraordinary” campaign, he stopped short of giving an outright endorsement of the far-left candidate, acknowledging efforts to “bring people together.”
“I don’t live in New York, but I think he has the potential to be a great mayor,” Buttigieg remarked during an interview with CNN.
“I believe he’s making significant moves to unite people—not just campaign for victory—and that’s an unexpected development,” he continued.
He added, “Although he doesn’t need my support to win, this is a crucial and exciting race.”
The former transportation secretary, residing in Michigan, opted not to run for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat, aiming to bridge the gap between the far-left and more centrist factions of the Democratic Party.
Many Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have hesitated to back Mamdani, while figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were slow to express support.
In his comments, Buttigieg chose to focus his critique on Cuomo instead of Mamdani.
“Andrew Cuomo has disqualified himself in numerous ways, morally speaking. This is just one reason many New Yorkers may lean toward Mr. Mamdani,” he stated.
Buttigieg seemed to reference the sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo by several women, as well as the controversy surrounding nursing homes during the pandemic.
Cuomo’s press secretary responded, arguing that “He doesn’t have a vote in this race, raising moral questions in a New York City facing a reduced police force, decriminalized sex trafficking, a lack of prisons, and a struggling education system—all issues Zoran Mamdani is addressing.”
Cuomo has defended himself, highlighting that five district attorneys have looked into the allegations, with some civil cases dismissed and others still pending.
Election day is set for November 4th. Though Buttigieg has kept quiet about his ambitions for 2028, he’s been gauging the political landscape in key states like Iowa since leaving the Biden administration.
