NYC Mayoral Election: Denial from Cuomo Campaign Regarding Alleged Discussion Between Ex-Governor and Trump About the Contest
In the race for the 2025 New York City mayoral seat, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, incumbent Eric Adams, Democratic socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani, and Republican Curtis Sliwa are the main contenders. The campaign has seen a significant influence from former President Donald Trump, primarily through his public stances and actions, particularly regarding law enforcement.
Trump has been vocal in his opposition to Mamdani, frequently calling for his de-naturalization and deportation. Mamdani, on the other hand, has accused Cuomo of conspiring with Trump, especially after Cuomo launched an independent campaign following his primary loss and reportedly had a phone conversation with Trump.
Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, is positioning himself as the experienced candidate capable of standing up to Trump. He has warned New Yorkers about the potential negative consequences of Mamdani becoming mayor, linking Trump’s controversial federal takeover of Washington, D.C.'s police to what might happen in NYC if Mamdani wins. Cuomo frames himself as the only candidate with the ability to effectively oppose Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump has been supportive of Cuomo, stating last month that he "should stay" in the race and has a "good shot of winning." This support has been met with criticism from Mamdani, who has accused Cuomo of prioritizing self-interests over the people.
There is no indication that Trump is directly running or formally involved in the NYC mayoral race beyond this political signaling and rhetoric. However, Trump is reportedly considering getting involved in the crowded general election.
Trump's influence seems to polarize between Cuomo and Mamdani. Mamdani rejects Trump and accuses Cuomo of collaborating with him, while Cuomo attacks Mamdani by invoking Trump’s law-and-order stance and positioning himself as a bulwark against Trump’s policies or influence.
The polling data, presented to Trump by pollster Mark Penn and former City Council President Andrew Stein, suggests that Cuomo, who lost the June Democratic primary to Mamdani, has the best chance of defeating the frontrunner. Cuomo, Sliwa, and independent lawyer Jim Walden are typically polling behind Cuomo in the mayoral race.
Despite the reports of a phone conversation between Trump and Cuomo, Cuomo's campaign has disputed the reporting, with campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi claiming that Cuomo and Trump have not spoken in some time. Azzopardi also mentioned the allegation of an alleged quid-pro-quo between Adams and Trump to have the mayor's now-dismissed federal bribery case tossed in exchange for towing the line on the president's immigration agenda.
The Republican Azzopardi referred to in the conversation is Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa. As the race heats up, it remains to be seen how Trump's influence will continue to shape the 2025 New York City mayoral race.
In the midst of the 2025 New York City mayoral race, political tensions are evident as former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Democratic socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani engage in a heated exchange, with Cuomo linking Mamdani's potential mayorship to former President Trump's controversial policies, particularly in regards to law enforcement. On the other hand, policy-and-legislation discussions revolve around the implications of Trump's potential involvement in the general news landscape, as he considers getting involved in the New York City mayoral race, possibly impacting crime-and-justice legislations.
