Cuomo Criticizes Adams and Mamdani’s Campaigns

Andrew Cuomo has raised concerns about Eric Adams’s independent reelection effort, suggesting it could pave the way for socialist Zoran Mamdani to become mayor.

Cuomo, who has also expressed interest in an independent run following his defeat by Mamdani in the Democratic primary, accused Adams of prioritizing his own ambitions over the interests of New Yorkers.

At the Columbia Day Parade in Jackson Heights on Sunday, Cuomo remarked, “If you’re just a spoiler, running is more about you and your ego. It’s not about the people of New York City. He always seems to put himself above everyone else.”

Cuomo’s comments, perhaps not surprisingly, come in the wake of his own exit from the governorship due to a sexual harassment scandal. He implied that Adams’s independent run resembles a play from the mayor’s “playbook.”

Adams responded, accusing Cuomo of imitating his strategy as an independent. He also clarified that his own unresolved federal corruption charges did not lead him to resign, unlike Cuomo.

Adams asserted, “I stood firm during my personal conflict and kept delivering for the city.” The exchange between Adams and Cuomo has taken on a life of its own, as both vie for anti-Mamdani sentiment among business leaders, moderates, and everyday New Yorkers.

Recent polling suggests that Mamdani could have a strong chance in the upcoming November election, especially with independent candidates like Adams, Cuomo, and attorney Jim Walden, alongside Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Prominent figures, including former governor David Patterson, have urged candidates to step aside for a stronger contender against Mamdani if they haven’t built a solid voter base.

Cuomo, having dropped out of the Democratic primary after suffering significant losses, insists on running as an independent, despite calls for him to withdraw entirely.

This decision has led to allegations that he might serve as a spoiler in the election. Meanwhile, Adams has positioned himself as the best candidate to counter Mamdani’s influence, appealing to Cuomo’s established business supporters.

However, recent polls have shown Adams trailing significantly behind, positioning him in a distant fourth place. In previous attacks against Adams, Cuomo again labeled Mamdani’s policy proposals as “hollow promises.”

Cuomo commented, “None of these plans really make a difference. One grocery store in every county? What impact will that have? A free bus? Why should we subsidize that?”

“This doesn’t add up. New Yorkers will see through it. It’s all just a sales pitch.”