Former New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo is condemning anti-Israel agitators in a new TV ad slated to air in the New York area after the July 4 holiday. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
Mamdani’s upset victory put Democrats in the precarious position of rallying behind a candidate who has promoted controversial positions that include raising income taxes on the city’s top earners, installing government-run grocery stores, and using public funds to make childcare universal.
CUOMO STAYING IN NYC MAYOR'S RACE FOR NOW, FOLLOWING STUNNING SETBACK TO MAMDANI IN PRIMARY: SOURCES
Zohran Mamdani speaks to supporters during an election night gathering on June 24, 2025, in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Mamdani, who is Muslim, has also drawn scrutiny for his vehement opposition to Israel, a key Middle East ally for the United States. Cuomo set himself apart from Mamdani during the primary race by advocating for Israel and garnering support from pro-Israel donors.
Mamdani is backed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and recently secured an endorsement from Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., an influential Dominican American in the city. The mayoral candidate has also been courting New York labor and teachers unions, some of which have signaled support for him.
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Three polls conducted in the past two weeks show Cuomo trailing Mamdami and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and Adams in a close race for third and fourth.
Cuomo served three terms as governor of New York but his scandal-plagued tenure, which included numerous sexual harassment claims, led him to resign in 2021. Cuomo denied wrongdoing but apologized for making people feel "uncomfortable." He also faced criticism from Republicans for allegedly botching information about COVID-19 deaths in his state.
Ashley Oliver is a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, covering the Justice Department and legal affairs. Email story tips to ashley.oliver@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/andrew-cuomo-run-independent-new-york-city-mayor-after-losing-mamdani