NYC Mayoral Race Heats Up as Cuomo Gains Momentum Against Mamdani

In the final stretch of New York City’s mayoral race, former Governor Andrew Cuomo is experiencing a late surge of momentum, collecting significant endorsements as the gap narrows between him and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Recent polls suggest Cuomo is making substantial gains, though Mamdani still maintains a lead heading into Election Day. The race has intensified dramatically in its closing days, with Cuomo telling Fox News that “New Yorkers are afraid” and turning out in large numbers as a result. While Mamdani had been comfortably ahead in early October, his advantage has steadily decreased according to multiple polls, including the latest Fox News Poll showing him with a 16-point lead over Cuomo (47% to 31%), with Republican Curtis Sliwa at 15%. Other recent surveys from Quinnipiac and Suffolk University indicate even closer margins, with Mamdani’s lead shrinking to just 10 points.

The final days of campaigning have brought an impressive array of endorsements for Cuomo’s independent candidacy. Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg reinforced his support, stating that “Andrew Cuomo has the experience and toughness to stand up for New Yorkers and get things done.” Current Mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race but still appears on the ballot, has thrown his support behind Cuomo as well. Former Governor David Paterson joined the endorsement parade, expressing confidence in Cuomo’s ability to lead “during these trying times.” Perhaps most surprisingly, Cuomo has garnered support across party lines, with moderate Democrats like Rep. Tom Suozzi declaring himself a “Democratic Capitalist, not a Democratic Socialist” in his endorsement, and even Republicans like Reps. Mike Lawler and Nick Langworthy backing Cuomo as the “lesser of two evils” compared to Mamdani’s democratic socialist platform.

Cuomo’s campaign has consistently hammered on Mamdani’s lack of experience, portraying the state assemblyman as unprepared to run the nation’s largest city. “He is wholly inexperienced,” Cuomo told Bill Hemmer of Fox News, attempting to capitalize on voters’ concerns about handing the keys to City Hall to a political newcomer. This message appears to be resonating with some voters who may be wary of Mamdani’s ambitious progressive agenda, which includes rent freezes, free public transportation, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores—all funded by increased taxes on corporations and wealthy New Yorkers. Cuomo has also worked to expand his coalition in the final days, hosting an endorsement event with prominent Muslim and African community leaders, including several imams and community representatives from across the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

As the race tightens, Cuomo’s campaign has adopted the strategic message that “a vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani,” attempting to consolidate anti-Mamdani sentiment behind his candidacy rather than splitting it with the Republican nominee. This approach has been echoed by wealthy supporters like John Catsimatidis and Bill Ackman, who have urged pragmatic voting to prevent Mamdani’s victory. Cuomo campaign spokesman Rich Azzopardi captured their confidence in a statement following recent polling: “Make no mistake: The race is tightening, and Andrew Cuomo is closing in fast.” This momentum is all the more remarkable considering Cuomo’s complicated political history, having resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, which he continues to deny.

Mamdani, for his part, remains actively engaged in the final days of campaigning, refusing to take anything for granted. He’s maintained a busy schedule, meeting with taxi drivers, hosting midnight press conferences, engaging with seniors at community events, and securing support from groups like the United Bodegas of America—an organization that initially criticized his grocery store plans but has since joined his coalition. When speaking with Fox News, Mamdani pointedly referenced Cuomo’s primary campaign, saying, “You can never take anything for granted. If you want to take something for granted, that’s Andrew Cuomo, what he did in the primary. We don’t want to end up like Andrew Cuomo.” This acknowledgment of the tightening race demonstrates Mamdani’s awareness that his earlier comfortable lead has diminished.

As Election Day approaches, the race highlights the deep ideological divisions within New York City’s electorate. Mamdani represents a progressive vision embracing democratic socialism and expansive government services, while Cuomo positions himself as an experienced, moderate alternative who can manage the city’s complex challenges. The outcome will not only determine New York City’s leadership but potentially signal broader political trends about the appeal of progressive policies versus moderate governance in major urban centers. With Cuomo’s last-minute momentum and Mamdani’s persistent lead, Tuesday’s results remain uncertain, leaving New Yorkers and political observers nationwide watching closely as voters make their final decision on who will lead America’s largest city through its next chapter.