Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg publicly reaffirmed his support for Andrew Cuomo as early voting commenced, citing Cuomo’s proven leadership as essential for navigating the city’s complex challenges.
Bloomberg, a three-term mayor himself, emphasized the sheer difficulty of leading New York City, calling it the second toughest job in America. He believes Cuomo possesses the necessary experience and resilience to effectively advocate for New Yorkers and deliver tangible results.
This endorsement isn’t new; Bloomberg initially backed Cuomo weeks before the primary election, expressing concern over the city’s struggles, particularly those exacerbated by the pandemic. He saw Cuomo’s managerial skills and governmental expertise as uniquely suited to address these issues.
The mayoral race is tightening as Election Day approaches. While state lawmaker Zohran Mamdani currently holds a lead in recent polls, Cuomo is gaining ground, fueled in part by a surprising endorsement from incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic socialist, unexpectedly won the Democratic nomination, defeating Cuomo and several other candidates. He currently enjoys support from 44% of likely voters, according to a recent Suffolk University poll.
Cuomo, running as an independent after resigning the governorship in 2021, trails with 34% support. His campaign has intensified its criticism of Mamdani, warning of potential instability should his opponent win.
The political landscape shifted further when Mayor Adams suspended his own re-election bid, throwing his support behind Cuomo in an effort to prevent a Mamdani victory. Despite Adams’ withdrawal, his name remains on the ballot.
Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, a familiar face in New York City politics, is facing calls to concede, potentially streamlining the race to a direct contest between Cuomo and Mamdani. Prominent figures, including John Catsimatidis, are urging him to step aside.
Recent polling data indicates Mamdani’s lead has narrowed from a 20-point advantage in September to a 10-point lead, signaling a fiercely competitive final week leading up to the election.
The outcome of this race will determine who will confront the immense pressures and responsibilities of leading one of the world’s most dynamic and challenging cities.
