Andrew Cuomo Stays in NYC Mayoral Race After Loss to Zohran Mamdani

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he will continue his bid for New York City mayor as an independent candidate, despite losing the Democratic primary to progressive challenger Zohran Mamdani. Cuomo, 67, posted a video on X declaring, “The fight to save our city isn’t over… I’m in it to win it.”

Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assembly member and self-described democratic socialist, defeated Cuomo with 56% of the vote to his 44% in ranked-choice voting. Once relatively unknown, Mamdani's victory shocked the political establishment and exposed deep divides within the Democratic base.

Cuomo criticized the low turnout in the primary and questioned Mamdani’s readiness to lead. “My opponent offers slick slogans but no real solutions,” he said, signaling that his campaign will target Mamdani’s inexperience. Cuomo previously served a decade as governor before resigning in 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations.

The general election in November will see a four-way contest, including current Mayor Eric Adams, who skipped the Democratic primary amid declining approval ratings and federal corruption probes, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, known for founding the Guardian Angels anti-crime group.

Mamdani’s rise has unsettled centrist Democrats who fear his leftist views could alienate businesses and wealthy residents from the city. Republican figures, including Donald Trump, were quick to attack. Trump labeled Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic,” while the GOP vowed to tie his image to Democrats nationwide in the 2026 midterms.

Shortly after Cuomo’s video dropped, Mamdani posted a donation link that drew over 26,000 likes in one hour—far outpacing Cuomo’s 800. The New York mayoral race now enters a volatile new phase with high political stakes for all sides.