In a surprising twist in New York City politics, Mayor Eric Adams has announced his endorsement of former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming mayoral election. This alignment raises eyebrows, especially given Adams’ recent disparaging remarks about Cuomo, referring to him as a “snake and a liar.” The endorsement comes at a critical time as Cuomo seeks to unseat Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
Adams’ intention to support Cuomo was conveyed through his spokesperson Todd Shapiro, who stated that the mayor plans to campaign alongside him. During a recent news conference, though he acknowledged his plans to be with Cuomo later that day, Adams opted to sidestep further inquiries about the electoral race.
The stage for this unexpected partnership was set during a meeting between the two leaders at Madison Square Garden, coinciding with the New York Knicks’ opening game. Photos of the two smiling together fueled speculation about a potential endorsement following the city’s final mayoral debate.
The potential impact of Adams’ endorsement on Cuomo’s campaign remains unclear. Adams had abandoned his reelection campaign the previous month amid a federal corruption investigation that was ultimately dismissed due to an extraordinary intervention from the Trump administration, hurting his political standing significantly.
In the race, Cuomo positions himself as the centrist who can effectively challenge Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and current state assemblymember. Mamdani’s unexpected victory over Cuomo in the June primary shocked many in the political establishment, showcasing the shifting tides of public sentiment.
In response to Adams endorsing Cuomo, Mamdani was quick to assert, “Andrew Cuomo is running for Eric Adams’ second term.” He criticized both men, noting their shared histories of alleged corruption and their alignment with the “billionaire class” and Trump’s interests. Such remarks highlight the increasingly contentious atmosphere of this electoral cycle.
Cuomo’s campaign strategy focuses on winning moderates and Republicans, but he admitted recently that “it is becoming harder mathematically” as long as Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa remains in the race. Meanwhile, Cuomo has intensified his attacks on Mamdani, utilizing conservative media platforms to claim that the city would deteriorate under Mamdani’s leadership.
Sliwa, known for his dynamic personality as the founder of the Guardian Angels crime patrol group, has faced pressure to withdraw from the race but has remained steadfast. His refusal to capitulate may complicate Cuomo’s path to victory further.
This endorsement may signal a thawing of hostilities between Adams and Cuomo, who have exchanged barbs in the past. Adams notably criticized Cuomo’s historical treatment of Black candidates in political races, while Cuomo retaliated by labeling Adams’ management of the city as “a never-ending series of government corruption.”
Following Adams’ withdrawal from the race, some of his allies have begun to lend their support to Cuomo, indicating a shift in alliances. Adams’ exit speech, while not naming specific candidates, warned of “insidious forces” leveraging local government for self-serving agendas, a sentiment many interpreted as a critique of Mamdani.