The New York Post editorial board slammed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, saying the longtime Democrat's ego will push far-left Zohran Mamdani into the mayor's mansion this November.
On Tuesday, Mamdani, a 33-year-old Muslim born in Uganda, claimed victory over the establishment candidate Cuomo in the Democrat primary, highlighting what some observers see as a battle for the soul of the party. Mamdani appears on a glide path to the nomination, though ranked choice vote counting will determine the final outcome next week.
Mamdani has promised residents of the Big Apple many socialist initiatives such as freezing rent for all tenants in stabilized apartments for four years, a $30 minimum wage, government-run grocery stores, and free bus rides.
A self-labeled "Democratic Socialist," Mamdani will now face two independent candidates in Cuomo and current mayor Eric Adams as well as Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election in November. The Post argued that Cuomo's refusal to "do the right thing" will increase the chances of a Mamdani victory.
"It's the height of egotistical arrogance, but this is Andrew Cuomo we're talking about: As long as it serves his bitter, twisted and vengeful needs, he doesn't care about the consequences for the people of this city. Of course, that attitude explains his historic collapse despite a huge lead in the polls just weeks ago, and a ginormous $25 million in donations for 'independent' pro-Cuomo spending: Democratic voters are sick of him," the Post's editorial board wrote.
As the Democrats struggle with how to define their party platform in the age of President Donald Trump, many in the centrist wing worry that a candidate such as Mamdani will further alienate middle-class voters. With Adams being somewhat aligned with the president on issues such as immigration, Cuomo's staying in the race will pull those moderate Democrats who despise any allegiance with Trump, according to the Post.
"By staying on the ballot in what's then at least a four-man race, Andrew Cuomo only makes it easier for Mamdani to sneak to victory with as little as 30% of the vote — meaning he needs only his hard-left base, plus those who'll always vote for the Democratic line and a handful more New Yorkers he can charm into his camp. Andrew Cuomo made New York less affordable, less safe and less livable," the board added.
Cuomo was a late-minute addition to the mayor's race, and he assumed his name recognition would be enough to charm New Yorkers into giving him a chance. Yet Cuomo's resignation in the face of sexual harassment claims and his handing of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 may have been enough bad blood to turn off New York City's Democrat base.
"He's already proved he's the perfect foil for Mamdani. He could've served the people of New York by setting aside his ego and removing his name from the November ballot, but Andrew Cuomo just couldn't let his final move in politics be doing the right thing," the board concluded.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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