Despite conceding the Democratic primary to State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday evening, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo intends to stay on the ballot for the New York City mayoral race, according to multiple news reports.
He has “not fully committed to running an active campaign through the summer and fall,” CNN, which was first to report on Cuomo’s plan, notes, but remaining on the ballot enables Cuomo to keep his options open and potentially try to mount a serious challenge to Mamdani and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, this November.
Cuomo’s name will be displayed on the “Fight and Deliver” ballot line in the coming election.
In 2002, Cuomo remained on the ballot for the New York governor’s race as a “Liberal Party” candidate even after dropping his bid and endorsing his rival, so it’s possible he could still withdraw from the running.
Keeping his name on the ballot, however, allows him the chance to vie for the role in the general election, as he banks on an electorate that might be more open to his centrist positions compared to the progressive policies that Mamdani has championed.
Mamdani was unfazed by the reported development in an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett on Thursday. “Ultimately, Andrew’s decision or my decision matters less than the decision the voters already took on Tuesday night,” he said. “What we saw from Bay Ridge to Dyker Heights to Harlem to Washington Heights, we saw a mandate delivered for a new generation of leadership. And I’m so proud and excited to build on that mandate and ever-expanding coalition.”
Cuomo has long been the Democratic establishment’s pick for the job, even after facing numerous allegations of sexual harassment, which he denies. Mamdani, meanwhile, has amassed the backing of top progressives, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). He said Thursday, too, that he was focused on rallying support across all corners of the Democratic Party, and touted endorsements from three prominent Jewish Democrats, including Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.).
It’s not clear when Cuomo would announce his intentions about a potential campaign.