Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will run for mayor of New York City if Mayor Eric Adams is ousted, the New York Post reported Saturday.
According to the Post, Cuomo, who resigned from office amid sexual harassment allegations in 2021, met with Brooklyn Democrat powerbroker Frank Seddio earlier this week and told him if Adams is forced to vacate his position, thus triggering a special election, he would be in it to win it.
The former New York governor "told several people I know he's running," one insider told the Post. "He [also] told real estate folks ... that he's running for sure in a special [election]."
Last week, Adams was indicted on federal bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud charges. But the New York City mayor has maintained he is the victim of a political hit job orchestrated by the Feds after he criticized the Biden administration's handling of the migrant crisis.
Meanwhile, another Big Apple powerbroker has said Cuomo allies have been knocking on his door to schedule a meeting, leaving him with the impression he's "definitely" running if a special election is held.
However, longtime Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi has thrown cold water on such an idea.
"Gov. Cuomo has spent a lifetime in public service fighting and delivering for the people of New York and will do whatever he can to help. That said, the speculation is premature as Gov. Cuomo believes Mayor Adams is entitled to due process," Azzopardi said.
Still, according to the Post, Cuomo is reportedly in talks with the political consulting firm Mercury Public Affairs.