Cuomo’s Super PAC Gets Massive Financial Boost in NYC Mayoral Race

In a significant development for New York City’s contentious mayoral race, the pro-Andrew Cuomo super PAC “Fix The City” has secured an impressive $1.26 million in just one week, marking the largest weekly fundraising haul for any mayoral candidate’s super PAC since the Democratic primary. This substantial financial injection comes primarily from heavyweight donors, including a $500,000 contribution from billionaire William Lauder, former executive chairman of Estee Lauder Companies, alongside another $250,000 from Jack Zinterhofer, grandson of Ron Lauder. John Hess, former chairman and CEO of Hess Corporation, matched William Lauder’s half-million-dollar donation, while DNA testing company Natra Inc. added $10,000 to the pot. These enormous contributions could significantly bolster Cuomo’s campaign as he approaches the final stretch of the general election, where he’s running as an independent candidate after losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani.

The fundraising landscape shows Mamdani leading in traditional campaign contributions, having raised $1.05 million in the past five weeks – more than double Cuomo’s $507,000 during the same period. Mayor Eric Adams, also running as an independent, raised $460,000, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa collected $407,000. On the super PAC front, the pro-Mamdani “New Yorkers for Lower Costs” received at least $250,000 from philanthropist Elizabeth Simons, daughter of late billionaire hedge-fund investor James Simons, though complete figures for all candidates’ super PACs aren’t typically released until Mondays. Fix The City Chairman Steve M. Cohen, a longtime Cuomo confidante, expressed confidence in their fundraising efforts, stating, “The only candidate who can defeat Mamdani is Andrew Cuomo,” and promised additional support from both returning and new donors over the next 30-45 days.

The unlimited contribution caps for super PACs give Cuomo a potential advantage in the financial race, despite his underdog status after losing the Democratic primary. During the primary campaign, Fix The City raised an impressive $25 million to support Cuomo, including $8 million from former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Whether the group can replicate this fundraising success as Cuomo campaigns on an independent ballot line remains uncertain, but insiders suggest the PAC will focus more resources on get-out-the-vote efforts for the general election. This financial backing will be crucial as Cuomo faces Mamdani’s formidable grassroots operation, which includes thousands of young volunteers and support from the Democratic Socialists of America, the Working Families Party, and numerous labor unions that previously backed Cuomo but have since switched their allegiance to the socialist candidate.

The super PAC’s strategy appears to involve partnering with neighborhood groups opposed to having a democratic socialist as mayor, positioning Cuomo as the viable alternative. During a Sunday interview on “Cats Roundtable” radio show, Cuomo framed the race as not just a competition for the mayoralty but a battle for the soul of the Democratic Party itself. “I’m a Democrat running on an independent line. Zohran [Mamdani] is a socialist running on the Democratic line,” Cuomo told host John Catsimatidis, clearly drawing ideological battle lines. He emphasized his pro-business stance in contrast to what he characterizes as Mamdani’s socialist agenda, questioning how New York City could survive under anti-business leadership: “I’m not a socialist. I’m not against business. I’m not against corporations. I don’t know how you can be a socialist leader in New York City and be anti-business and have New York City survive.”

The mayoral race represents a fascinating political contest that pits different visions for New York City’s future against one another. On one side stands Cuomo, the experienced former governor with strong business connections and substantial financial backing, running as an independent after his Democratic primary defeat. On the other side is Mamdani, the Democratic nominee who represents the progressive wing of the party with his democratic socialist platform, grassroots volunteer network, and support from organizations like the DSA and Working Families Party. Meanwhile, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa round out a field that offers New Yorkers distinctly different paths forward for their city. The influx of super PAC money, particularly to Cuomo’s campaign, signals that powerful interests see this election as pivotal for determining the city’s economic and political direction.

As Election Day approaches, the financial resources of these candidates and their associated super PACs will play a crucial role in shaping voter outreach and messaging strategies. Cuomo’s Fix The City PAC, now flush with fresh millions from business leaders, is positioning itself to mount a competitive challenge against Mamdani’s grassroots operation. The contrasting fundraising approaches mirror the candidates’ differing political philosophies: Cuomo relying more heavily on wealthy donors and business interests, while Mamdani draws strength from smaller donations and organizational support. This mayoral race has evolved into more than just a contest between individuals; it represents a referendum on competing economic models and visions for New York City’s recovery and growth in the post-pandemic era. Whether voters will embrace Cuomo’s business-friendly approach or Mamdani’s progressive agenda remains the central question that will determine who next leads America’s largest city.