The shocking vote of confidence came despite Mayor Eric Adams, who has repeatedly cozied up to Trump, also vying for re-election on an independent line in the general race. Adams has attacked Cuomo for staying in the race, claiming that he alone should be the one to take on Mamdani in November.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday he is a “Democrat running on an independent line,” while his fellow New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who beat him for the Democratic

Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo has launched an independent bid for New York City mayor after he lost the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed Monday that he’ll mount an independent run for New York City mayor – but vowed to drop out if he’s not in the lead to beat socialist Zohran Mamdani come September. Cuomo officially announced his intent in a video released on X that acknowledged his drubbing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary but not the chorus of high-profile calls for him to stay out of the general election race.

In response to the news, Mamdani’s campaign issued a statement, writing, “While Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams are tripping over themselves to cut backroom deals with billionaires and Republicans, Zohran Mamdani is focused on making this city more affordable for New Yorkers. That’s the choice this November.”