Cuomo and Sharpton: A Strategic Breakfast Meeting Amidst NYC’s Mayoral Race
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now a candidate in New York City’s mayoral race, recently shared breakfast with Reverend Al Sharpton, a meeting that has raised eyebrows in political circles. The two longtime associates were photographed at a New York City restaurant, with both men sharing the image on social media. Cuomo described it as “catching up with my old friend,” while Sharpton simply called it a “breakfast meeting.” This gathering comes at a critical juncture in the mayoral race, where Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, who identifies as a Democratic socialist, is leading in polls by significant margins. The timing suggests that Cuomo may be seeking Sharpton’s influential endorsement to bolster his campaign against challenging odds.
The political landscape of this mayoral contest is particularly complex. Cuomo, who resigned from his governorship in 2021 following sexual misconduct allegations, is attempting a political comeback in a race where he currently trails Mamdani by nearly 20 points. According to a recent Sienna College poll, Mamdani holds 44% support, while Cuomo stands at 25%, followed by Republican Curtis Sliwa at 12% and current Mayor Eric Adams at just 7%. Adams, who dropped out of the Democratic primary and is now running as an Independent, faces rumors about potentially abandoning his campaign for a position in the Trump administration—speculation he has firmly denied. The race has drawn national attention, with even former President Trump weighing in, suggesting Cuomo has a “good shot” of defeating Mamdani.
The relationship between Cuomo and Sharpton spans decades, dating back to the 1980s when Cuomo’s father, Mario, was governor of New York. Sharpton acknowledged this history to the New York Post, saying, “I’m very impressed with Mamdani, but I’ve known Andrew for 40 years, going back to the ’80s with his father.” This historical connection could prove valuable for Cuomo, who appears to be asking Sharpton to “have an open mind” about the race despite the reverend’s previous suggestion that Cuomo should drop out. In July, following Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary, Sharpton had recommended that Cuomo withdraw to allow a direct contest between Mamdani and Adams, adding that Cuomo could “endorse one or the other, and let them have a battle over what is best for New York.”
The meeting highlights Sharpton’s continued influence in New York City politics and his role as a kingmaker in Democratic circles. Interestingly, Sharpton mentioned that Mamdani would appear on his MSNBC show “PoliticsNation” the following weekend, suggesting he’s keeping his options open despite his long history with Cuomo. The civil rights activist remains a crucial voice in the city’s political discourse, particularly among Black voters, making his potential endorsement valuable to any candidate. For Cuomo, securing Sharpton’s support could help rehabilitate his image among progressive voters who may be wary of his candidacy following the circumstances of his departure from the governor’s office.
Cuomo’s spokesman, Rich Azzopardi, characterized the breakfast as part of an ongoing dialogue between two public figures with a shared history of advocacy. “Governor Cuomo and Reverend Sharpton have stood side by side for decades, fighting for justice and progress. They meet from time to time over breakfast to discuss issues critical to the city, the state, and the nation. Today’s meeting was both productive and positive,” Azzopardi told the New York Post. This framing attempts to normalize what is clearly a strategic campaign meeting, positioning it as a natural continuation of a long-standing relationship rather than an explicit attempt to secure political support in a challenging race.
With the November election approaching, this breakfast meeting represents just one move in the complex chess game of New York City politics. Cuomo faces the significant challenge of overcoming both his personal baggage and Mamdani’s substantial lead in the polls. Meanwhile, Sharpton’s ultimate decision on whether to endorse any candidate could influence the race’s trajectory, particularly if the contest tightens in the coming months. The breakfast between these two political veterans reminds us that in New York City politics, personal relationships often intersect with public policy debates, and informal conversations over eggs and coffee can sometimes shape the future of America’s largest city. As voters prepare to make their choice, the question remains whether Cuomo’s outreach to old allies will be enough to revive his political fortunes and change the current dynamics of the mayoral race.
