Cuomo Gains Bipartisan Backing in NYC Mayoral Race, Trails Mamdani

Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo has garnered significant support from various political figures in the final days of the New York City mayoral race. Among his supporters are former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, New York Representative Tom Suozzi, and former Governor David Paterson. Notably, even Nick Langworthy, a Republican congressman who was once a vocal critic of Cuomo, has shifted his stance to endorse him.

In an interview with CBS News, Langworthy acknowledged his past criticisms, stating, “No one was a fiercer critic of his time as governor than I was.” He recalled his strong opposition to Cuomo’s closure of several correctional facilities in 2020, which he attributed to a decline in the state’s inmate population due to criminal justice reforms. Langworthy’s past remarks included accusations that Cuomo’s actions were detrimental to New Yorkers’ lives.

Langworthy’s endorsement highlights a growing concern among Republicans regarding Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. The congressman pointed to Mamdani’s affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America and his proposed policies, which aim to provide free bus services, freeze rent on rent-stabilized apartments, and increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers. Langworthy has claimed that these policies could have negative repercussions for New York City and potentially influence other regions across the country.

Republican Representative Mike Lawler also expressed his support for Cuomo this week during a WABC radio interview. Lawler, who has previously voiced his discontent with Cuomo, acknowledged that the former governor is the strongest candidate among the options available. “We fought him tooth and nail every step of the way,” Langworthy remarked about Cuomo’s past governance, yet he believes Cuomo would be a better alternative to Mamdani.

Despite the support from certain Republicans, Cuomo and his fellow candidate Curtis Sliwa are trailing in the polls behind Mamdani. A recent survey conducted by Quinnipiac University reveals that Mamdani leads with 43 percent of voter support, compared to Cuomo’s 33 percent and Sliwa’s 14 percent. Mamdani’s campaign recently received an endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. In a conversation with Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show,” Mamdani mentioned that endorsements may no longer determine election outcomes, emphasizing his strategy focused on grassroots efforts, including neighborhood canvassing and phone banking.

As the election date approaches on November 4, 2025, early voting has already attracted nearly half a million New Yorkers. Despite calls for him to withdraw from the race to potentially benefit Cuomo, Sliwa remains committed, asserting that it is the people’s choice that should decide the next mayor of New York City, rather than “billionaires or the professional political class.”

The unfolding dynamics of this mayoral race showcase an intriguing blend of bipartisan support and deep-seated concerns about the future direction of New York City under Mamdani’s proposed policies. With significant endorsements and a committed voter base, Mamdani remains the frontrunner as the campaign enters its final stretch.