With Tuesday’s primary just around the corner, the race for New York City mayor is heating up. And while all eyes may be on the Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, there’s another contender who could potentially shake up the race – none other than former governor Andrew Cuomo.
Despite not being on the ballot for the primary, Cuomo is still very much present in this mayoral race. In fact, he could even end up becoming the next mayor of New York City, even if Mamdani were to win the primary. This may seem like an unlikely scenario, but it’s not as far-fetched as one might think.
Cuomo, who served as governor of New York from 2011 to 2021, has been a dominant figure in the state’s politics for over a decade. However, his tenure as governor ended on a sour note, as he faced numerous scandals and criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to his decision not to seek re-election for a fourth term. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready to stay out of the political spotlight just yet.
The former governor has been quietly laying the groundwork for a potential run for mayor of New York City. He has been making public appearances and engaging with local leaders, all while keeping a low profile and avoiding the spotlight. And although he hasn’t officially announced his candidacy, many political experts believe that he is seriously considering a run.
But how could Cuomo become mayor, you ask? Well, it all comes down to New York City’s unique electoral system. In the city’s mayoral race, the winner of the Democratic primary usually goes on to win the general election as well, as the city is heavily Democratic. This means that whoever wins the primary will most likely become the next mayor. However, there is still a way for Cuomo to enter the race and potentially secure the mayoralty, even if Mamdani wins the primary.
New York City has a provision called “fusion voting,” which allows candidates to run on multiple party lines in a general election. This means that Cuomo could run as a third-party candidate, potentially under the Independence Party or even his own newly created party. This would enable him to appear on the ballot for the general election, even if he loses the Democratic primary.
So what does this mean for Mamdani’s chances of becoming mayor? While it may seem like Cuomo’s potential candidacy poses a threat, it could actually work in his favor. By splitting the Democratic vote, Cuomo could inadvertently help Mamdani win the primary. This would then allow him to face off against Cuomo in the general election, where he would have a higher chance of winning.
But even if Cuomo were to win the general election, it would still be a victory for the progressive movement. Mamdani’s campaign has already sparked important conversations about issues like affordable housing, police reform, and social justice. And if Cuomo were to win as a third-party candidate, it would be a testament to the growing power of the progressive movement in New York City.
Of course, there are also those who argue that another term in office for Cuomo would be a step backward for the city. But regardless of one’s political beliefs, one thing is clear – the possibility of Cuomo becoming mayor has added an intriguing element to an already closely watched race.
In the end, the outcome of this mayoral race remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – no matter who ends up winning, New York City is on the brink of a new era, one that is defined by progressive values and a desire for change. And that, in itself, is an exciting prospect for the future of the city.
