• Andrew Cuomo will run as an independent candidate for New York City mayor after losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani.
• Cuomo announced with a focus on affordability and experience, criticizing Mamdani's proposals as lacking substance.
• Mamdani's campaign emphasizes making New York more affordable as he seeks to secure votes in a Democrat-leaning city.
• In the general election, Cuomo will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
• Cuomo's previous scandals and lower support from traditional allies cast doubt on his viability in the race.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has confirmed his intention to run for New York City mayor as an independent candidate after suffering a defeat in the Democratic primary against Zohran Mamdani. In a video announcement, Cuomo declared, “The fight to save our city isn’t over,” at the same time noting that only 13% of New Yorkers participated in the primary, implying that many voters remain unengaged. His comments were reported in multiple outlets, including HuffPost and Al Jazeera.

Mamdani, seen as a rising force in progressive politics, won the primary with 56% of the vote compared to Cuomo's 44%. His campaign heavily focused on issues such as affordability and anti-establishment sentiments, contrasting sharply with Cuomo’s moderate stance. Spokespersons for Mamdani have criticized Cuomo’s approach, claiming that his focus is more on securing deals with affluent groups than addressing the needs of ordinary New Yorkers, as noted by Newsweek and TRT Global.

Cuomo's entry into the general election pits him not only against Mamdani but also against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is also competing as an independent amidst his own scandals. Adams decided not to participate in the Democratic primary, which some analysts suggest was due to declining popularity and multiple investigations into his administration, as highlighted by sources including Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

In a radio interview, Cuomo emphasized that he views himself as a Democrat running on an independent line, while he labeled Mamdani as a socialist, reflecting ongoing tensions within the party regarding the electoral landscape. As the election date approaches, Cuomo faces challenges, including criticism regarding his previous scandals and declining support from key allies, affecting his prospects for making a significant impact in the upcoming general election, according to The Hill and Los Angeles Times.

While Cuomo has received support from some Republicans, notably from Donald Trump who stated that he sees potential for Cuomo to win, many Democrats remain wary of Mamdani’s leftist policies, fearing they could alienate moderate voters in the city. This adds another layer of complexity to the race, as traditional Democratic supporters are grappling with internal divides, as reported by Reuters and Middle East Eye.