Andrew Cuomo is pressing ahead with an independent run for New York City (NYC) mayor after falling short in the Democratic primary, sources confirmed. The former governor said, “I want to look at all the numbers … and analyze the rank choice voting. I will then consult with my colleagues on what is the best path for me to help the City of New York, as I have already qualified to run for mayor on an independent line in November,” emphasizing his determination in the independent run.
Cuomo secured the “Fight & Deliver” ballot line and has until Friday to withdraw. He told CBS New York, “In the general election, more people come out to vote… it’s a broader pool … more representative of the city at large.” He argued that the primary’s 1 million voters don’t reflect the city’s 8 million residents.
Cuomo graciously conceded defeat after Zohran Mamdani won the primary, stating, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.” Mamdani countered by welcoming the contest, saying, “I think there’s room for everyone because, ultimately, we’re going to win it.”
A recent poll tied Cuomo and Mamdani in a four-way general match-up that includes sitting NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa. Cuomo’s name recognition and union base remain a decent foundation for an independent run, while Mamdani draws energy from youth and progressive voters.
