Andrew Cuomo formally launched an independent bid for New York City mayor this week, positioning himself against Zohran Mamdani and incumbent Eric Adams in the November election. The announcement, made on Monday, July 14th, comes weeks after Cuomo lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani by 12 points. He acknowledged his missteps and promised a more aggressive and inclusive campaign moving forward.
In a video statement, Cuomo admitted, “I made mistakes in the primary. I was not aggressive enough in communicating my vision for a fairer, safer, more affordable New York, or in debunking and exposing Zohran Mamdani’s unrealistic proposals and divisive agenda.” He emphasized his commitment to meeting voters across the city, stating, “Every day, I’m going to be hitting the streets, meeting you where you are to hear the good and the bad, problems and solutions, because for the next few months, it’s my responsibility to earn your vote.”
Cuomo also announced significant changes to his campaign operation, including a new team, communications strategy, and field operation. “I am putting together a new team, communications plan, strategy, and field operation. And most important, I will be out there, every day in every corner of this city, meeting you where you are,” he pledged. He added that he would engage directly with voters to reach beyond the 13 percent who participated in the primary.
Mamdani responded sharply, accusing Cuomo and Adams of prioritizing wealthy backers. “While Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams trip over each other to win the approval of billionaires in backrooms, our campaign remains focused on working New Yorkers and their clear desire for a different kind of politics,” he said during an appearance with union supporters. Mamdani also reiterated his commitment to grassroots organizing, underscoring the divide between the candidates.
Adams, who is also running as an independent, dismissed Cuomo’s bid as a failed retread. “Andrew is a double-digit loser in the primary. He lost by 13 points. He had his opportunity. He spent $25 million to get his message out. New Yorkers heard it. He did not sell it,” Adams stated. Both candidates have criticized each other’s approaches while attempting to position themselves as alternatives to Mamdani.
Cuomo concluded his announcement by accepting a proposal to evaluate where candidates stand in the polls in mid-September and withdraw if another contender proved stronger. “Our common goal must be to run the strongest candidate against Mr. Mamdani,” he wrote. “I am all in, and I hope you are, too. New York City’s best days are ahead – together, we can make them a reality.” His campaign emphasized that this time, he intends to earn every vote through direct engagement.
