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Tag: zohran mamdani

  • Bill de Blasio Impostor Dupes U.K. Paper With Fake Anti-Mamdani Quotes

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    Accept no imitations.
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    In a September op-ed, former mayor Bill de Blasio officially endorsed Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, praising his ambitious platform calling for universal child care, a rent freeze for tenants in stabilized apartments, and free buses.

    “We don’t just need Zohran Mamdani to be our mayor because he has the right ideas, or because they can be achieved. We need him because in his heart and in his bones he cannot accept a city that prices out the people who built it and keep it running,” he wrote in the Daily News.

    But the local political scene was briefly stunned when a reputable British newspaper published an article featuring quotes of the former mayor seemingly bashing Mamdani’s proposals, statements that de Blasio emphatically said he never made.

    “I want to be 100% clear: The story in the Times of London is entirely false and fabricated. It was just brought to my attention and I’m appalled,” de Blasio wrote on social media. “I never spoke to that reporter and never said those things. Those quotes aren’t mine, don’t reflect my views.”

    On Tuesday, the Times of London posted a piece with the headline “Zohran Mamdani Ally Bill de Blasio Says His Policies Don’t Add Up,” featuring quotes from de Blasio claiming he had gone through the assemblyman’s proposals and found them lacking. One quote read, “In my view, the math doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, and the political hurdles are substantial.”

    Then de Blasio quickly issued his own statement disavowing the article, telling the public that he never spoke to the Times of London and demanding a retraction. “It is an absolute violation of journalistic ethics. The truth is I fully support @ZohranKMamdani and believe his vision is both necessary and achievable,” he said.

    Within the hour, the Times of London had removed the article from its website and a spokesman issued a statement saying its reporter had been duped. “The Times has apologised to Bill de Blasio and removed the article immediately after discovering that our reporter had been misled by an individual falsely claiming to be the former New York mayor,” the paper said in a statement to the New York Times.

    The newspaper did not provide any additional details as to how the deception occurred. The Times of London is the oldest daily newspaper in the U.K. with a storied history dating back to its founding in 1785. The paper was purchased by media magnate Rupert Murdoch in 1981 and is currently operated by News UK, a subsidiary of News Corp.

    But the article still made the rounds despite its early deletion. The New York Post quickly aggregated the fake quotes, and staffers with former governor Andrew Cuomo’s campaign shared the Post story, which was later updated with de Blasio’s actual quotes refuting it.


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    Nia Prater

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  • Record-Breaking Early Voting Looks Good for Mamdani

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    Early voting in the mayoral election began on Saturday, and the figures so far show it has smashed numbers from the last race and even the June Democratic primary when high voter turnout elevated Zohran Mamdani to victory.

    According to preliminary numbers released by the city board of elections on Tuesday night, 297,718 New Yorkers have already cast their ballot, a staggering figure for the first four days of the early voting. Brooklyn is currently leading the other four boroughs with 92,035, followed by Manhattan with 89,474 votes cast, then Queens with 68,873. Staten Island has the lowest number of early voters at 22,417; the Bronx is just above that at 24,919. By comparison, the June primary logged 131,882 early voters by the end of the fourth day. And this year’s general-election early vote has already far surpassed the total early vote in 2021 (169,486), though the comparison to Mayor Eric Adams’s victory is an imperfect one, as that general election was not competitive and came during the pandemic. A total of 384,338 New Yorkers voted early in this year’s primary election.

    The significant level of turnout suggests a high level of enthusiasm among voters, which powered Mamdani to a double-digit victory over Andrew Cuomo thanks to an immense showing from young and first-time voters who went uncaptured in preelection polls.

    A caveat, though: A data analysis of the first two days of early voting from Gothamist shows Gen-X and baby-boomer voters combined made up 50 percent of early votes cast, two demographic groups that Cuomo has consistently led with in polls. Sixteen percent of those early voters are voters between 25 to 34. It’s unclear if these findings are indicative of a Cuomo boost or if it’s a sign of motivation among Republican voters as well following an uncompetitive primary in June when nominee Curtis Sliwa ran unopposed.

    Regarding day four’s numbers, analyst Adam Carlson adds in an X thread:

    The gap between Brooklyn/Manhattan/Queens and the Bronx/Staten Island — as a percentage of total early votes, compared to 2021/2024 — continued to grow. That is not good for Cuomo. He needs big Election Day turnout from both boroughs (especially the Bronx). … Age breakdowns from Days 1-2 looked pretty good for Cuomo, but the story on geographic breaks was more nuanced than many takesmiths made it out to be.

    The Mamdani campaign made a big push for early voting over the weekend, which began with a long-awaited endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and ended with a stadium rally in Queens with Mamdani alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The rally also featured appearances from Comptroller Brad Lander as well as Governor Kathy Hochul, who was heckled by the audience with calls to “Tax the rich!” a key plank of Mamdani’s platform that Hochul has expressed reservations with.

    Early voting continues through Sunday, November 2. New York City residents can find their early vote polling sites here.

    This post has been updated to include the latest totals.

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    Nia Prater,Chas Danner

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  • One week to go in NYC mayoral race, gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia

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    CBS News political director Fin Gómez breaks down the key races in New York City, New Jersey and Virginia with just a week to go before Election Day.

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  • EARLY VOTING: More than 160,000 New Yorkers cast ballots in NYC Mayor’s Race this weekend, setting a record pace | amNewYork

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    Ken Wilson and Carla Drummond cast their ballots for Cuomo.

    Photo by Shea Vance

    The first weekend of early voting in the 2025 NYC mayoral general election saw more than 160,000 people cast their ballots over two days, according to the city’s Board of Elections. 

    The BOE reported on Sunday evening 164,190 voter check-ins across the five boroughs through the first two days of early voting that wrapped up at 5 p.m. on Oct. 26. Brooklyn and Manhattan dominated the turnout numbers, with Brooklyn having 49,432 check-ins and Manhattan slightly behind with 49,191. 

    Queens came in third with 38,791 check-ins, followed by the Bronx at 14,225 and Staten Island with 12,551.

    The strong numbers continue a record turnout for early voting in a mayoral election. First-day participation in 2025 was more than quadruple that of 2021 (31,176 through the first two days), the last time New Yorkers elected a mayor. 

    With nine days to go until Election Day in New York City, voters continued to turn out in force Sunday on day two of early voting.

    According to data from the NYC Board of Elections, the start of early voting marked a record turnout, with first-day participation more than quadrupling compared to early voting in 2021 — the last time New Yorkers voted for mayor. Manhattan saw about five times as many voters on Saturday as the borough saw on day one in 2021.

    People wait to cast their vote in the general election in Brooklyn on Oct. 25, 2025.
    People wait to cast their vote in the general election in Brooklyn on Oct. 25, 2025.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

    Many voters who spoke to amNewYork on Sunday in Morningside Heights and Harlem expressed support for frontrunner and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani while others expressed strong support for independent candidate and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Support for Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa seemed thin on the ground.

    In the Democratic primary, both Morningside Heights and Harlem swung for Mamdani, and the two neighborhoods have traditionally favored Democrats in general elections. 

    Sliwa, though not expected to find much support in Democratic areas like upper Manhattan, has ratcheted up support compared to the last time he ran in 2021 and is seeing support elsewhere in the city, polling consistently between 10% and 20% — Mamdani leads the field in most polls by double digits while Cuomo is coming in second. 

    One voter whom amNewYork spoke to on Saturday in the Lower East Side, also a Democratic stronghold, said they opted for Sliwa in the race after a lifetime of voting for Democrats.

    At P.S. 175 in Harlem, Sara Serpa and Andre Matos cast their ballots for Mamdani. 

    “I think he has a vision, there’s hope in him, and he’s fighting for the right causes,” Serpa said. “First time we have a candidate that speaks well, elaborates thoughts, and again, has a vision for the city, which the other candidates don’t have.”

    Andre Matos and Sara Serpa cast their ballots for Mamdani.

    Serpa was particularly excited by Mamdani’s plans for “affordable housing, justice and social rights, and making the city affordable for everyone who lives here.”

    Carla Drummond and Ken Wilson cast their ballots for Cuomo, citing his political experience compared to the other candidates.

    “I just believe that he’s going to be able to give Trump the most pushback,” Wilson said. Drummond echoed the sentiment.

    In the primary, Cuomo made opposition to President Donald Trump a cornerstone of his campaign, arguing that his experience working with the president during his days as governor — when Trump was serving his first term in office — make him the right choice for a city being increasingly targeted by the federal government.

    Throughout the general election, Cuomo has compared his relationship to Trump to that of a “dysfunctional marriage.” Though Trump has not endorsed a candidate, he strongly opposes Mamdani.

    Cori Harris voted for Democrats down the ballot — save for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Though Harris cast her ballot for Mamdani, she said she was intrigued by Sliwa’s candidacy and would have considered voting for him if he were not a Republican.

    Early voting remains open daily in New York City’s five boroughs until Nov. 2, two days before the general election on Nov. 4. In addition to casting their ballots for mayor, voters are considering various candidates for other elected offices and a menu of ballot propositions. Find your early voting site on the NYC Board of Elections website, findmypollsite.vote.nyc.

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    Shea Vance & Robert Pozarycki

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  • Day 1 of early voting in NYC mayor’s race draws tens of thousands of New Yorkers to the polls

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    Voters in New York City hit the polls Saturday as early voting got underway.

    According to unofficial, preliminary numbers from the Board of Elections, nearly 80,000 voters checked in across all five boroughs.

    More than 24,000 people cast their votes in Manhattan, followed by Brooklyn with just over 22,000, Queens with just over 19,000, the Bronx with nearly 8,000 and Staten Island with just under 6,500.

    NYC mayoral election is make or break for some voters

    Voters who spoke to CBS News New York said issues of concern are affordability, immigration, schools, homelessness, crime and policing.

    For some early voters, this election is make or break. They say if the candidate they voted for doesn’t win, they may have no choice but to move out of the city.

    “I have like five friends that already left New York because they couldn’t afford it,” Bronx resident Lansana Keita said. “Depending on who won, I’m gonna stick it out for another year.”

    Ballots also contain six questions about topics including affordable housing and moving local elections to presidential years to boost voter turnout.

    For now, voters agree this election holds weight in the future of the city.

    “‘Cause I don’t want the machines to be down on Election Day, so I get out here early,” Bronx voter Terri H. said.

    “More people voting, more people participating, that’s what it’s all about. We get better results, I think,” Harlem voter Ian Green said.

    Candidates on the campaign trail as early voting begins

    All three candidates made public appearances on Saturday.

    Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa voted early, remaining defiant that he’s staying in the race.

    “Today, I cast my vote for myself and the Republican line, straight down the line,” he said. “Today, it should be the last time we hear that Curtis Sliwa should drop out.”

    Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo announced an endorsement from the United Clergy Coalition.

    “You want to build affordable housing? Partner with the faith-based community. You want to do mental health services, community-based mental health services? Do it with a faith-based community. Economic development with the faith-based community,” he said.

    Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani met with business leaders in Brooklyn.

    “I’m going to be voting on Election Day. And my message to early voters, of which I’ve already met a number, is that this is our opportunity, it continues to be one, to make the most expensive city in America affordable.”

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  • Jeffries Finally Endorses Mamdani in the Most Tepid Way Possible

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    House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., conducts a news conference about the government shutdown on the House steps of the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
    Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images

    He made it just under the wire.

    On Friday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries finally announced his endorsement of Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani following months of anticipation and hours ahead of the party leader’s own self-imposed deadline of the start of early voting.

    Jeffries made it official in a statement to the New York Times in which he noted that while he and Mamdani had “areas of principled disagreement,” it was crucial for the party to unite at a time when President Donald Trump poses an “existential” threat to the city.

    “I deeply respect the will of the primary voters and the young people who have been inspired to participate in the electoral process. Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy,” he said. “Together, along with Mark Levine and Jumaane Williams, they won the nominations for Mayor, Comptoller and Public Advocate in a free and fair election. In that spirit, I support him and the entire citywide Democratic ticket in the general election.”

    In a statement, Mamdani said, “I welcome Leader Jeffries’ support and look forward to delivering a city government, and building a Democratic Party, relentlessly committed to our affordability agenda — and to fighting Trump’s authoritarianism.”

    Many speculated whether the House minority leader would endorse Mamdani at all, as many Republicans across the aisle appeared eager to tie the democratic socialist candidate to the more moderate Jeffries and other House Democrats. After Mamdani shocked the local political world following his primary upset against former governor Andrew Cuomo, all eyes soon turned to the New York congressional delegation and state leadership as the new Democratic nominee sought to coalesce support ahead of the general election.

    While there were some immediate pickups, including Representatives Jerry Nadler, Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velázquez, Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were two prominent outliers as they both congratulated Mamdani on his win but appeared hesitant to throw their support behind him. Mamdani joined Jeffries in the leader’s home district in Brooklyn for a meeting that Jeffries’s team described as “constructive, candid and community-centered, with a particular focus on affordability,” but still an endorsement did not emerge from the hour-long conversation.

    In the months that followed, Mamdani picked up support from Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and his current boss, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, as Jeffries hinted that a decision would be coming prior to the start of early voting on October 25. The Democratic leader also sounded more complimentary of Mamdani in recent interviews, applauding his intention to ask NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on in her role if elected mayor.

    Jeffries’s endorsement comes just one day after Mayor Eric Adams threw his support behind his onetime mayoral rival Cuomo with the intention of bolstering the former governor’s chances of defeating Mamdani. It’s not yet clear if Schumer will soon follow suit with his own statement of support. This week, CNN reported that the Senate minority leader said he was still having conversations with Mamdani and declined to weigh in on the race at that moment.

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    Nia Prater

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  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorses Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayor’s race

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    House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Zohran Mamdani in the race for New York City mayor Friday, one day before polls open citywide for early voting. 

    “I deeply respect the will of the primary voters and the young people who have been inspired to participate in the electoral process. Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a Mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy,” Jeffries’ statement said. “In that spirit, I support him and the entire citywide Democratic ticket in the general election.”

    Jeffries’ backing is the latest show of support for the Democratic assemblyman from Queens and frontrunner in the polls. Mamdani had been seeking the powerful Brooklyn Democrat’s endorsement since the two met over the summer. 

    Earlier Friday, when asked why he had not yet endorsed Mamdani, a democratic socialist, and it’s potential impact on the democratic party, Jeffries said, “I have not refused to endorse. I have refused to articulate my position, and I will momentarily at some point in advance of early voting.”

    Jeffries also endorsed Democrats Mark Levine and Jumaane Williams for city comptroller and public advocate, respectively.   

    Mamdani’s opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, picked up a key endorsement of his own Thursday from outgoing Mayor Eric Adams. The mayor ended his reelection campaign last month and has been an outspoke critic of Mamdani’s policies. 

    “Andrew and I are two kids from New York, and when you think about it, Andrew and his brother, and I have three of them, and brothers fight,” Adams said Thursday. “But when families are attacked, brothers come together. They understand that you have to protect the family.  

    Adams’ endorsement came a day after the candidates faced off in their final debate before Election Day. Cuomo was seen joining the mayor courtside at the Knicks’ home opener after the debate. 

    Key endorsements in the NYC mayoral election, so far

    Mamdani previously earned two high-profile endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Democratic primary. He was also cross-endorsed by some of his fellow candidates in ranked choice voting. 

    Since his primary win, the state Assemblyman has also picked up endorsements from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, state Attorney General Letitia James, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and several other elected officials. 

    He is also being backed by the Working Families Party and the United Federation of Teachers, which is the city’s largest teachers union. 

    Cuomo, meanwhile, received an endorsement from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg during the primary. Jim Walden also threw his support behind Cuomo when he left the race over the summer, hoping to help defeat Mamdani. 

    Republican Curtis Sliwa is endorsed by Reps. Elise Stefanik and Mike Lawler, as well as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

    Mark Prussin

    contributed to this report.

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  • Social media erupts after Cuomo, Mamdani rip each other during final debate: ‘Unmasked’

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    Reactions to Wednesday night’s New York City mayoral debate were heavily focused on the candidates’ efforts to attack  each other for alleged personal scandals, such as former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s sexual harassment allegations and Zohran Mamdani’s links to radical politics. 

    The candidates’ decision to relentlessly criticize each other amid their final chance to make a pitch to voters did not go unnoticed on social media. While each candidate received support and criticism all around, Cuomo’s response to a question from Mamdani about what he would say to victims who have accused him of sexual harassment was frequently highlighted. 

    “I just want to go on-record and say I have never in my life seen somebody get their a– whooped at a debate this m—er f—ing bad,” political content creator and podcast host Brian Baez said. 

    “Mamdani just detonated the debate,” podcast host Brian Allen added. “He looked Cuomo dead in the eye and invoked Charlotte Bennett; one of the 13 women Cuomo allegedly harassed, saying she was in the audience but couldn’t speak because Cuomo’s lawyers ‘hounded her.’” 

    ‘TIME FOR A CHANGE’: OUTSIDE 30 ROCK, NEW YORKERS TRADE CHANTS AND ARGUMENTS DURING TENSE MAYORAL SHOWDOWN

    From left, Mayoral candidates Independent candidate former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani participate in a mayoral debate, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in New York. (Angelina Katsanis, Pool/AP Photo)

    “Charlotte Bennett is a NY hero,” posted New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, referring to one of Cuomo’s accusers. Lander was arrested in June for allegedly assaulting a federal immigration officer, but those charges were ultimately dropped. He was also a candidate for NYC mayor before losing to Mamdani in the primary. Lander also posted a video of a crowd cheering when asked if they thought Mamdani won the debate. 

    Meanwhile, one of Cuomo’s accusers, Karen Hinton, was present at the debate Wednesday night, after which she hit the spin room and explained how Cuomo’s response about what he would say to women like her proved Cuomo lacks the “moral compass” to be mayor. 

    “I am one of these women. I have been legally abused by Andrew Cuomo for years after being harassed as his staffer,” another accuser, Lindsey Boylan, said on X. “Now he wants to be mayor.” 

    Cuomo’s decision after the debate to skip the spin room with reporters, instead jolting straight to the New York Knicks game where he was pictured sitting next to incumbent New York City mayor Eric Adams, was also a focus on social media following the debate. 

    But, altogether, reactions to Cuomo’s performance were not entirely negative. And reactions to Mamdani’s performance were not entirely positive – especially from Republicans. 

    TRADING BARBS FROM LIGHT-HEARTED TO VICIOUS, MAYORAL CANDIDATES MAKE FINAL APPEAL TO NEW YORKERS

    “If Andrew Cuomo had brought the energy to this campaign that he’s bringing to this debate, he would not be fighting for his political life right now,” Actor and director Tom Brennan added Wednesday night. 

    “Andrew Cuomo is crushing Zohran Mamdani at the Mayoral debate tonight,” wrote pro-Israel activist Uri Cohen on X.  

    “I will say that both Cuomo and Sliwa are absolutely tearing Mamdani apart at this debate,” added New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.

    Left: Rep. Elise Stefanik; Right: New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani

    U.S. Ambassador Designate to the United Nations Elise Stefanik (left) during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC; Right:  New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani visits “The Story With Martha MacCallum” at Fox News Channel Studios on October 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photos by: (Left) Andrew Harnik/Getty Images; (Right) John Lamparski/Getty Images))

    Stefanik argued in her analysis of the debate, which she posted on X, that Mamdani came across as a phony throughout the night. 

    “Mamdani’s wind up doll routine is getting unmasked for the Communist jihadist he is,” Stefanik said Wednesday. “Notice Mamdani cracks with only very minor follow ups.”

    Cuomo did not hold back on targeting Mamdani over alleged controversies that have embattled his campaign during Wednesday night’s debate. Cuomo blasted the self-proclaimed socialist over his lack of experience, ties to radical politics, and past radical comments about law enforcement, Israel and the situation in Gaza.

    Among those controversies was an alleged picture Mamdani took with a hard-lined Ugandan lawmaker who has pushed policies of imprisoning people for being gay, which Mamdani posed for while taking a break from the campaign trail to visit his home country of Uganda for a wedding. 

    Cuomo also hit the controversy over whether Mamdani adequately supports Jewish New Yorkers, pointing to actions he has taken and remarks he has made, such as support for the phrasing “globalize the intifada” and “from the river to the sea.” One of the people who Mamdani has tried to distance himself from as a result of such radical rhetoric is podcaster Hasan Piker, who said on X after the debate: “bro this new york jews are terrified of the muslim mayor who has the majority opinion on israels genocide sh— is so god—-n tired and frankly, racist.” 

    Second NYC mayoral debate

    Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani (R) Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa (L) and Independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo participate in the second New York City mayoral debate at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Queens, New York, on October 22, 2025.  (Photo by HIROKO MASUIKE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

    Laura Loomer, a close Trump ally and former failed GOP congressional candidate, jumped on the criticism of Mamdani over his alleged antisemitism on Wednesday night after the debate.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP  

    “Zohran Mamdani’s most outrageous lie tonight came when he said he would take antisemitism seriously, saying, ‘I have heard from Jewish New Yorkers about their fears about antisemitism in this city. And what they deserve is a leader who takes it seriously,’” Loomer’s podcast “Loomer Unleashed” posted on X and was later shared by Loomer herself on X. 

    “This quote is laughably false, as Zohran’s own X account shows he supports BDS legislation,” the “Loomer Unleashed” quote concluded. 

    Meanwhile, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa mainly got praise on social media for his performance without a ton of criticism. He is widely considered to be significantly behind Cuomo and Mamdani in the polls.   

    “Curtis Sliwa has the courage of a lion. No doubt he’d make a great mayor, and he demonstrated as much in tonight’s debate,” former New York City mayor, Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday night.

    Minority leader of the New York City Council’s Republican delegation, Joann Ariola, said, “hands-down” Sliwa was the winner of the debate.    

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  • Eric Adams to endorse Andrew Cuomo in NYC mayor’s race today, sources say

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    New York City Mayor Eric Adams will endorse former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the race to replace him, sources in both camps tell CBS News New York’s Marcia Kramer. It comes just two days before early voting starts.

    Sources say Adams and Cuomo are working out a joint appearance that is expected to happen later Thursday. 

    The endorsement comes a night after Cuomo joined Adams courtside at the Knicks home opener following the final mayoral debate. 

    After participating in the second New York City mayoral debate, independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, right, sits with Eric Adams at the Knicks game at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 22, 2025.

    Al Bello / Getty Images


    Adams was running for reelection himself until late September, when he ended his campaign and exited the race. The outgoing mayor has been an outspoken critic of Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani and has been rumored to be considering throwing his support behind Cuomo for the past week or so. 

    Cuomo, who served as governor of New York from 2013 until he resigned in 2021, lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani in June and has since been consistently polling second heading into the general election. A poll earlier this week showed Mamdani holding onto a double-digit lead in a three-way race with Republican Curtis Sliwa. 

    The poll, meanwhile, found it would be neck-and-neck between Mamdani and Cuomo if Sliwa were to exit.

    Sliwa remains on the offensive about staying all-in

    Sliwa has repeatedly vowed to stay in the race, even parting with longtime WABC radio boss John Catsimatidis.

    “Why would I drop out of the race? You think Republicans are going to vote for Andrew Cuomo?” Sliwa said during the debate.

    Sliwa punched hard during an interview on CNBC on Thursday morning in an effort to prove he deserves to stay on the ballot, and blamed Adams for the state of the race.

    “He belongs in jail. He’s the reason there’s a Zohran Mamdani, because if he had done a halfway decent job he would’ve won. He’s an incumbent mayor. It would’ve been round two because I ran against him in 2021,” Sliwa said.

    Key takeaways from the NYC mayoral debate

    The candidates made their case to voters and covered a lot of ground during Wednesday night’s debate.

    They were asked to address the recent federal immigration raids and how to handle threats from the Trump administration.

    They also spoke about the NYPD and all agreed Commissioner Jessica Tisch should remain the department’s leader.

    Mamdani called out Cuomo over his sexual harassment scandal as governor, and both Cuomo and Sliwa questioned Mamdani about his experience for the job and his stance on Israel.

    In addition, the candidates offered up their ideas for mass transit and what should be done about the deadline to close Rikers Island.

    Mamdani also refused to take positions on crucial ballot measures that would address the very housing issues he’s centered his platform around.

    “What a shocker. Once he takes a position, he’ll change it anyway,” Cuomo said.

    Mamdani responded with a zinger of his own.

    “We heard from Donald Trump’s puppet, himself, Andrew Cuomo. He spent more money on a singing water fountain at LaGuardia Airport than he did on the average cost of an affordable housing unit,” Mamdani said. 

    Why did Mayor Adams drop out?

    Adams took office as the city’s 110th mayor in January 2022 after serving as Brooklyn borough president.   

    He ended his reelection campaign on Sept. 28, but his name will still appear on the ballot under an independent line. 

    It has been a tumultuous past year for the mayor and his administration. He was indicted on federal bribery charges, which he denied, that were later dropped. The dismissal also raised questions about his relationship with President Trump and the influence of the White House on City Hall. 

    Adams maintained his innocence and his ability to lead the city, launching his reelection campaign over the summer. But most polls showed him garnering single-digit support, well behind Mamdani, Cuomo and Sliwa.

    “Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign. The constant media speculation about my future and the Campaign Finance Board’s decision to withhold millions of dollars have undermined my ability to raise the funds needed for a serious campaign,” Adams said in a video announcement when he dropped out.   

    Independent candidate Jim Walden also ended his campaign and exited the race, but the Board of Elections ruled he missed the May 30 deadline to remove his name from the ballot. 

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  • Sparks fly as Cuomo, Mamdani tear into each other during fiery debate: ‘Toxic energy’

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    Front-runners for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo, wasted little time attacking each other on alleged personal scandals they have been involved in during a Wednesday night debate between the pair and GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa.  

    Mamdani and Sliwa took the opportunity during Wednesday’s debate to drill down on past sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo, the former governor of New York, ahead of an impeachment inquiry that preceded Cuomo’s 2021 resignation. Cuomo was also hit by Mamdani over accusations he has – while in public office – failed to meet with Muslim constituents and only began doing so amid pressure from his mayoral campaign, and over his alleged poor handling of the COVID-19 virus in New York after Cuomo was party to issuing guidance forcing nursing homes and long-term care facilities to admit COVID-19 positive patients.

    Meanwhile, Cuomo did not hold back on targeting Mamdani over alleged controversies that have embattled his campaign. Cuomo blasted the self-proclaimed socialist over his lack of experience, ties to radical politics, and past radical comments about law enforcement, Israel and the situation in Gaza.

    FBI AGENTS FROM ’93 WTC ATTACK BLAST MAMDANI FOR EMBRACING RADICAL IMAM

    All three candidates for NEw York City governor debated Wednesday night. From left to right: Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa and Zohran Mamdani. (Photo by Angelina Katsanis-Pool/Getty Images)

    “My main opponent has no new ideas. He has no new plan. … He’s never run anything, managed anything. He’s never had a real job,” Cuomo said of Mamdani during the debate. Cuomo also branded Mamdani as someone who has proven to be “a divisive force in New York,” pointing to past incidents that have garnered Mamdani heat from critics. 

    One of those incidents included a picture he took with a hard-lined Ugandan lawmaker who has pushed policies of imprisoning people for being gay, which Mamdani took while taking a break from the campaign trail to visit his home country of Uganda for a wedding. Cuomo also hit the controversy over whether Mamdani supports Jewish New Yorkers, as his critics have claimed he is anti-Israel pointing to statements he has made, like “globalize the intifada.” 

    Cuomo also accused Mamdani of disrespecting Italian-Americans after a video of him surfaced giving the middle finger to a statue of Christopher Columbus, while also pointing to criticism the self-proclaimed socialist candidate has garnered from 9/11 first-responders after posting a photo with a Muslim cleric who served as a character witness for the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 attacks. 

    TOP 5 MOMENTS FROM FIERY NYC MAYORAL DEBATE: ‘HE LITERALLY HAS NEVER HAD A JOB’

    Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani shake hands on debate stage

    Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (left) shakes hands on the debate stage with Democratic Party candidate for New York City mayor (right) Zohran Mamdani. Cuomo is running as an Independent after lsoing to Mamdani in the primary election.  (Photographer: Angelina Katsanis/AP)

    “You have been a divisive force in New York, and I believe that’s toxic energy for New York. It’s with the Jewish community. It’s with the Italian-American community – when you give the Columbus statue the finger. It’s with the Sunni Muslims when you say decriminalize prostitution, which is Haram. It’s the Hindus,” Cuomo continued. “Then, you take a picture with Rebecca Kadaga, deputy Prime Minister of Uganda. … She’s known as Rebecca ‘Gay Killer.’ … You’re a citizen of Uganda. You took the picture. You said you didn’t know who she was. It turns out you did. How do you not renounce your citizenship or demand BDS against Uganda for imprisoning people who are gay just by their sexual orientation? Isn’t that a basic violation of human rights?”

    Mamdani shot back that his politics have remained “consistent” and that they are built on a belief in human rights for all people, including LGBTQ+ folks. Had he known Kadga’s role in drafting legislation to imprison gay folks, Mamdani said, he never would have taken the picture. 

    “This constant attempt to smear and slander me is an attempt to also distract from the fact that, unlike myself, you do not actually have a platform or a set of policies,” Mamdani shot back at Cuomo before introducing his own claims about the former governor regarding past accusations of sexual harassment.

    MAMDANI RIPPED BY RIVALS FOR UNPOPULAR STANCE DURING FIERY NYC DEBATE: ‘YOU WON’T SUPPORT ISRAEL’

    New York City mayoral candidates ahead of Nov. 4 election

    New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo slammed his democratic socialist opponent Zohran Mamdani during Wednesday’s debate for a variety of alleged scandals he has been involved in. (Angelina Katsanis/Getty; Angelina Katsanis/Getty)

    “Mr. Cuomo. In 2021, 13 different women who worked in your administration credibly accused you of sexual harassment. Since then, you have spent more than $20 million in taxpayer funds to defend yourself, all while describing these allegations as entirely political,” Mamdani said while attacking Cuomo Wednesday night. 

    “You have even gone so far as to legally go after these women. One of those women, Charlotte Bennett, is here in the audience this evening. You sought to access her private gynecological records. She cannot speak up for herself because you lodged a defamation case against her. I, however, can speak. What do you say to the 13 women that you sexually harassed?” 

    Cuomo, in 2021, was accused of multiple incidents of sexual harassment that preceded his resignation as governor that year. A subsequent report from New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed Cuomo “sexually harassed multiple women from 2013 through 2020,” while in January 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it had reached a nearly $500,000 settlement with Cuomo’s executive office over one of the claims. However, no criminal charges were ever filed against Cuomo, with some district attorneys citing insufficient evidence.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

    Cuomo defended himself against Mamdani’s accusations, noting the cases were eventually dropped, before returning to questions about Mamdani’s alleged past. 

    Meanwhile, Sliwa didn’t skip an opportunity to slam Cuomo over the sexual assault allegations either, saying early in the debate during a discussion about homelessness that Cuomo “fled” the governor’s office amid an impeachment inquiry that was investigating him.

    “Andrew, you didn’t ‘leave.’ You fled from being impeached by the Democrats in the state legislature,” Sliwa began before getting into the homelessness issue, earning him a round-of-applause from the audience. 

    “‘Leave?’ You fled!” Sliwa continued to applause. “But let’s get back on topic.” 

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  • 9 Things You Missed at the Final New York Mayoral Debate

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    The moderators and the other candidates all treated him like the frontrunner, and at times Mamdani looked more uncomfortable than he has in debates past.

    One notable example of Mamdani getting cornered was when he was pressed on his position on this year’s ballot initiatives regarding housing policy. Both Cuomo and Sliwa loudly and simultaneously hounded him about not having a position, and when asked by a moderator how he planned to vote, Mamdani responded, with what seemed like a knowing half-smile, “I have not yet taken a position on those ballot questions.”

    “Oh, what a shocker!” Cuomo quickly responded. Sliwa howled, as did some in the audience.

    Later Mamdani again declined to take a position on a different ballot question, prompting a similar response from Cuomo and Sliwa.

    Noted Bernadette Hogan at NY1, “This is also a little taste of what reporters on the campaign trail experience when asking Mamdani questions. He goes out of his way to not answer certain questions that could lead to controversy.”

    Though he struggled a bit, Mamdani didn’t lose the debate, either. He still effectively centered his campaign messages about affordability and optimism, and he took multiple opportunities to go after Cuomo (and Mayor Adams).

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  • Andrew Cuomo rips ICE raid in NYC as “abuse of federal power”

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    New York City mayoral candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo ripped a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in the city on Tuesday while assailing the Trump administration, calling the act an “abuse of federal power.”

    Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via email for additional information.

    Why It Matters

    The raid targeting street vendors on Canal Street in Lower Manhattan has ignited public outcry and political condemnation, raising questions about the use of federal force and the interplay between local and federal law enforcement.

    The operation, conducted in full public view, reflected intensifying national debate over immigration policy, policing and civil liberties—issues that profoundly affect the lives and rights of New Yorkers and set precedents for enforcement strategies across the United States.

    What To Know

    In a post to X on Tuesday, Cuomo ripped the Trump administration, saying, “This is not who we are, and it will never be NYC when I am mayor. The Statue of Liberty stands in our harbor, not as a decoration, but as a declaration of our values and the promise of America.

    “Today’s ICE raid in Chinatown was an abuse of federal power by the Trump administration: more about fear than justice, more about politics than safety. New York was built by immigrants and we will not be bullied into betraying who we are.”

    Numerous federal agents representing multiple agencies, including ICE; the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; IRS-Criminal Investigation; and Customs and Border Protection descended on Canal Street in Manhattan. DHS described the operation as “targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement” against criminal activity related to the sale of counterfeit goods, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to CBS News.

    In videos spread across social media, protesters are shown, some confronting law enforcement and recording the raid with their phones. At least one protester was arrested, accused of assaulting a federal officer, according to DHS.

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    What People Are Saying

    Zohran Mamdani, Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, on X Tuesday: “Federal agents from ICE and HSI—some in military fatigues and masks—descended on Chinatown today in an aggressive and reckless raid on immigrant street vendors. Once again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It must stop.”

    New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, on X Tuesday: “.@realDonaldTrump claims he’s targeting the ‘worst of the worst.’ Today his agents used batons and pepper spray on street vendors and bystanders on Canal Street. You don’t make New York safer by attacking New Yorkers.”

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams, also on X Tuesday: “New York City does not cooperate with federal law enforcement on civil deportations, in accordance with our local laws. While we gather details about the situation, New Yorkers should know that we have no involvement. Our administration has been clear that undocumented New Yorkers trying to pursue their American Dreams should not be the target of law enforcement, and resources should instead be focused on violent criminals.”

    What Happens Next

    The protest and backlash amid the developing situation have reignited debates over municipal policies concerning sanctuary city status, and the appropriate roles of local police versus federal agencies.

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  • Trump warns ‘I’d rather have a Democrat than a communist’ as NYC mayoral race enters homestretch

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    President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he believes New York City could soon elect a “communist” mayor and signaled he’d prefer a Democrat to take the reins at City Hall over a far-left candidate.

    Asked during a White House press gaggle whether he’d urge Republican Curtis Sliwa to drop out of the race, Trump didn’t endorse anyone, but made clear his concern about current polling with just two weeks to go until Election Day.

    “Well, I looked at the polls and looks like we’re going to have a communist as the mayor of New York,” Trump said. “It’ll be very interesting. But here’s the good news. He’s got to go through the White House, everything goes through the White House. At least this White House, it does.”

    Trump appeared to suggest that if Sliwa exited the race, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo might close the gap with Democratic socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani, but wasn’t confident it would change the outcome.

    BILL ACKMAN JUMPS INTO NYC MAYORAL FIGHT, SAYS SLIWA MUST DROP OR ‘WE ARE TOAST’

    Independent NYC mayoral candidate, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, left, speaks during a debate with Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, center, and Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, Oct. 16, in New York City. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool)

    “If he [Sliwa] dropped out, he’s not going to win. And not looking too good for Cuomo either,” Trump said. “Maybe if he dropped out, Cuomo would have a little bit of a chance. But not much. Because it looks like the lead is—it’s not a great lead, but it’s big enough that he should be able to win.”

    Pressed on whether he’d be willing to meet with Mamdani if elected, Trump said he would.

    “Yeah, I’ll speak to him,” the president said. “I think I have an obligation to speak to him.”

    FOX NEWS POLL: MAMDANI MAINTAINS SIGNIFICANT LEAD IN NYC MAYORAL RACE

    NYC debate candidates stand behind podiums

    New York City mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo, left, Curtis Sliwa and Zohran Mamdani participate in a debate, Oct. 16, in New York City. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool)

    Still, Trump lamented what he sees as the city’s decline under progressive leadership.

    “I love New York. I’ve always loved New York. I just can’t believe a thing like this is happening,” he said. “I left New York, and we had a mayor, [Bill] de Blasio, who was a disaster… New York was a hot city. And now it’s — it’s sad to see what’s happening, frankly.”

    “With the communist in charge… look, you just go back a thousand years. I mean, it’s been done many times, a thousand years. It’s never worked once. So it’s not going to work now.”

    curtis sliwa mayoral debate

    Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa speaks during the NYC mayoral debate, Oct. 16. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool)

    Mamdani, a state assemblyman and longtime Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) member, has embraced calls to legalize prostitution and tax the wealthy. 

    His campaign has drawn endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and other national progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    The city’s mayoral election is Nov. 4.

    The Cuomo, Mamdani and Sliwa campaigns did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

    Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.

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  • NYC voters at ‘No Kings’ rally say Zohran Mamdani ‘represents everything’ Trump is not

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    MANHATTAN, N.Y. – New Yorkers who spoke to Fox News Digital at the “No Kings” rally in Times Square on Saturday agreed they want mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to protect New York City from President Donald Trump. 

    Millions of Americans gathered in cities across the country on Saturday to protest Trump’s sweeping, second-term agenda. While marching through Times Square with almost two weeks until Election Day, New York City voters explained why they are voting for Mamdani for mayor. 

    “He represents everything they’re not,” Edgar, a New York City voter who lives in Rockaway Beach, Queens, told Fox News Digital. 

    Edgar explained that democracy is “under attack,” and New York City needs a leader, like Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., to similarly fight back against the Trump administration. 

    FINAL STRETCH: MAMDANI’S LARGE LEAD SHRINKING AS CUOMO GAINS GROUND IN NYC MAYORAL RACE

    New York City voters who spoke to Fox News Digital at the “No Kings” rally in Times Square on Saturday said they are voting for Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani on Nov. 4.  (Fox News Digital/Deirdre Heavey)

    Mamdani himself has applauded Newsom’s leadership rejecting Trump’s second-term through judicial action, particularly when Trump sent the National Guard to Los Angeles during protests rejecting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations. 

    Trump has since sent the National Guard to major cities, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Portland, Oregon, and Memphis, Tennessee, to combat crime. 

    He has also threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani is elected mayor. 

    “I don’t think he’s afraid of Trump in the least,” Gail Kelly, a lawyer who lives in Breezy Point, Queens, who said she is voting for Mamdani, told Fox News Digital in Times Square. 

    Kelly said she is “tired” of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani in June and is now running as an independent candidate, said she is “not that thrilled with Curtis Sliwa,” the Republican nominee. 

    NEW POLLS REVEAL MAMDANI HAS COMMANDING LEAD OVER RIVALS WEEKS FROM ELECTION DAY

    "Not Here" sign at New York City "No Kings" rally

    Thousands of New Yorkers marched through Times Square on Saturday for the “No Kings” rally in New York City.  (Fox News Digital/Deirdre Heavey)

    Brad, another Mamdani voter who lives in Gowanus, Brooklyn, and attended Saturday’s “No Kings” rally, said Trump and Cuomo are “fascists.”

    “Cuomo is a fascist as well,” Brad said. “He is also a sexual abuser. Mamdani, honestly, I don’t know if he’s got good ideas. I don’t think a lot of ideas are gonna work, but he’s got optimism, he cares about the people in the city, he cares about people’s lives. That’s good enough.”

    Cuomo resigned as New York governor in 2021 following multiple sexual harassment allegations that he has denied. Rich Azzopardi, a Cuomo campaign spokesperson, fired back at Brad’s charge when reached for comment. 

    “Andrew Cuomo passed a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, made marriage equality the  law of the land, made college tuition free for nearly 80 percent of CUNY students and protected a women’s right to choose by codifying Row vs. Wade into state law. Whomever said that clearly doesn’t know what any of that word salad means. Send me their address, I’ll be happy to send them a dictionary on me,” Azzopardi said. 

    "No Kings" rally in NYC

    Protesters gather in New York City for the “No Kings” rally rejecting President Donald Trump.  (Fox News Digital/Deirdre Heavey)

    Annelice Morales, a Mamdani voter who lives on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, said Mamdani’s transparency is refreshing. 

    “I just think people, like Cuomo, have been in power for a really long time, and they abuse power,” Morales told Fox News Digital while marching in the “No Kings” rally.

    Morales said she “100%” hopes Mamdani will fight back against Trump. 

    “He has a message to improve lives, the material needs of the New Yorkers,” Lenny, a Lower East Side resident who is voting for Mamdani in November, said on Saturday. 

    When asked if he wants Mamdani to fight back against Trump, Lenny said, “Just uphold the law. It’s that simple.”

    Register to vote sign

    New York City residents who attended the “No Kings” rally in Times Square on Saturday were asked if they are registered to vote. Election Day in New York City is Nov. 4.  (Fox News Digital/Deirdre Heavey)

    Mamdani has a 21-point lead among New York City registered voters: 49% back Mamdani, while 28% go for Cuomo and 13% favor Sliwa, according to the latest Fox News poll. 

    Voters will elect a new mayor of New York City on Nov. 4 as Mayor Eric Adams suspended his re-election campaign last month. 

    While those who spoke to Fox News Digital at Saturday’s “No Kings” rally in Manhattan said they were voting for Mamdani in the upcoming election, the democratic socialist candidate did not advertise that he was attending. 

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to inquiries about whether he was attending any “No Kings” rallies.  

    Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who has endorsed and campaigned for Mamdani, headlined a “No Kings” rally in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. 

    Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately hear back. 

    Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital. 

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  • Bill Ackman jumps into NYC mayoral fight, says Sliwa must drop or ‘we are toast’

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    Billionaire investor Bill Ackman is escalating his commentary on the New York City mayoral race, claiming Republican Curtis Sliwa’s refusal to exit has pushed democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani to a 90% chance of victory, according to prediction market data. 

    Ackman, the founder of Pershing Square Capital, argued that Sliwa staying in the race is helping Mamdani secure the win.

    On Friday, Ackman posted new Polymarket odds on X showing Mamdani near 90%, well ahead of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Sliwa.

    “It was not Zohran Mamdani’s debate performance. It was Curtis Sliwa’s statement after the debate that he is not leaving that has tipped the odds to 90% for Mamdani,” Ackman wrote on X.

    Sliwa had said he would not drop out after the most recent debate.

    FINAL STRETCH: MAMDANI’S LARGE LEAD SHRINKING AS CUOMO GAINS GROUND IN NYC MAYORAL RACE

    Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa greets supporters upon arriving to participate in a mayoral debate Thursday in New York City. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

    Ackman’s remarks mark a rare public foray by a high-profile investor into a local election. A spokesperson for Pershing Square told Fox News Digital there was “no additional comment beyond Ackman’s posts.” 

    Ackman has supported Cuomo’s independent bid and earlier in the week urged Sliwa to exit the race to give Cuomo “a better shot.”

    Sliwa is not backing down. His campaign, in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, rejected the idea that Ackman or any donor should influence the race. 

    “Billionaires aren’t going to decide the outcome — it’s the voters. It’s the people. Let the people decide,” said Maria Sliwa, the candidate’s spokeswoman.

    “Cuomo lost the primary as a Democrat. He’s running as an independent. Curtis is on a major party line just like Mamdani. If anything, Cuomo should drop out, not Curtis.”

    She said Sliwa has always planned to stay in the race to give Republicans a choice. 

    “This race won’t be decided by millionaires, billionaires or professional politicians. It will be decided by the voters on Nov. 4.”

    Sliwa’s refusal to exit has become a flashpoint in the campaign. Ackman and others say a one-on-one matchup between Cuomo and Mamdani would be more competitive. 

    NEW POLL REVEALS MAMDANI’S LEAD IS SHRINKING AS CUOMO GAINS GROUND IN NYC SHOWDOWN

    cuomo and sliwa mayoral debate

    Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the independent candidate, left, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa participate in a mayoral debate Thursday in New York City. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool)

    Some polls suggest Cuomo could close the gap without Sliwa in the race. But Sliwa’s team and several analysts question whether his voters would support Cuomo.

    Appearing Friday morning on “Sid & Friends in the Morning” on WABC radio, Cuomo accused Sliwa of playing spoiler and warned Republicans that staying loyal to Sliwa could hand the election to Mamdani.

    “Curtis cannot win,” Cuomo said. “No Republican voted to put Curtis on the ballot. No Democrat voted to put Curtis on the ballot. He was put on by the party bosses — the Republican county chairs — because he is a spoiler. And they want Mamdani to win.”

    Cuomo argued that GOP leaders are backing Sliwa for strategic reasons, not to win City Hall. 

    “They’ll take Mamdani and run him around the country saying, ‘Look at how crazy this Democratic Party is — they elected a 33-year-old socialist who’s anti-cop, anti-business, antisemitic.’ It’ll help them politically, but it’ll kill the city,” Cuomo said.

    He added that voters who support Sliwa are effectively helping Mamdani. 

    “You vote for Curtis, just save yourself the time and vote for Mamdani,” Cuomo said. “He’s the candidate of the Republican Party chairs. And what Republicans are going to have to decide is whether partisan loyalty is more important than loyalty to the city.”

    FOX NEWS POLL: UNHAPPY WITH NYC’S DIRECTION, VOTERS FAVOR MAMDANI FOR MAYOR BY A WIDE MARGIN

    sliwa and mamdani nyc debate

    Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, left, speaks while participating in a mayoral debate with democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, right, and independent candidate and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (not pictured) Thursday in New York City.  (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool)

    Cuomo also attacked Mamdani’s public safety policies, warning, “You defund the police, you close Rikers — he’s talking about releasing 7,000 people from Rikers when it closes. There are no new jails. There will be a mass exodus from this city. It will never be the same.”

    The 2025 NYC mayoral race has drawn national attention. Mamdani, 33, is a socialist state assemblyman from Queens who upset Cuomo in the Democratic primary. If elected, he would be the city’s first Muslim mayor, and he has the backing of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

    Cuomo, 65, is running as an independent four years after resigning as governor. He is trying to frame himself as a centrist who can beat Mamdani. Since Mayor Eric Adams dropped out, Cuomo has gained ground in polling.

    Sliwa, 69, is best known for founding the Guardian Angels patrol group and has built his campaign around crime and quality-of-life issues. He won 27% of the vote in the 2021 mayoral race.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Ackman’s involvement has sparked renewed interest in Polymarket, a prediction site where users bet on political outcomes. 

    The contract for the NYC mayoral race has already passed $190 million in trading volume, one of the largest for a local U.S. election. Ackman’s posts have fueled speculation and a surge in trading activity.

    Voters head to the polls Nov. 4.

    Polymarket did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

    Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.

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  • Mamdani ripped by rivals for unpopular stance during fiery NYC debate: ‘You won’t support Israel’

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    NEW YORK, N.Y. – New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani fielded a series of contentious questions about how he will support Jewish New Yorkers during the first general election mayoral debate in New York City on Thursday night. 

    Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and independent candidate former Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Jewish New Yorkers don’t trust Mamdani to protect them. New York City is the largest diaspora of Jews outside Israel. 

    “Jews don’t trust that you are going to be there for them when they are victims of anti-Semitic attacks,” Sliwa said to Mamdani. 

    During the debate, POLITICO Senior Politics Editor Sally Goldenberg asked Mamdani how he would assure Jewish New Yorkers that he would be a “mayor for all.” The question came after Mamdani previously refused to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which is considered a call to violence against Jews, and given his 2017 rap lyrics praising the Holy Land Five, who were convicted of supporting terrorism. 

    ACTIVISTS SOUND ALARM ON ‘DEEPLY TROUBLING’ POLL SHOWING SUPPORT FOR MAMDANI’S ANTI-ISRAEL MESSAGING

    Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, left, speaks while participating in a mayoral debate with Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, right, and independent candidate former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (not pictured), Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in New York.  (Angelina Katsanis, Pool/AP Photo)

    Mamdani maintained that he now discourages the term “globalize the intifada” and doesn’t use that language himself, explaining that conversations with Jewish New Yorkers changed his perception of the phrase’s impact. 

    ZOHRAN MAMDANI SAYS HE WILL DISCOURAGE ‘GLOBALIZE THE INTIFADA’ PHRASE

    Cuomo questioned why Mamdani still won’t denounce the phrase. 

    “Just say, ‘I denounce it.’ He won’t do it. That’s the issue,” Cuomo said. 

    And then Cuomo took it a step further, accusing Mamdani of not believing in Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. 

    “He is a divisive personality all across the board,” Cuomo said.

    In response, Mamdani ripped into the “unfounded lies that have been said by Andrew Cuomo.”

    “I’ve said time and again that I recognize Israel’s right to exist,” Mamdani said, explaining that he “would not recognize any state’s right to exist with a system of hierarchy on the basis of race, of religion.”

    “Answer the question, you won’t support Israel,” Cuomo said, closing out a heated moment. 

    Meanwhile, Sliwa said with the rise of antisemitism in New York City, neither Cuomo nor Mamdani have the capability to protect Jewish New Yorkers. 

    Zohran Mamdani supporters

    Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani supporters gather outside 30 Rock in New York City on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.  (Deirdre Heavey/Fox News Digital)

    “In order to counteract hate, you have to get the community involved, along with the police, to protect people when they’re under siege,” Sliwa said. “Jews are under attack now more than ever before.”

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

    If elected, Mamdani would be New York City’s first Muslim mayor. Mamdani has become a staunch advocate against Israel’s “genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. 

    Mamdani co-founded his college’s Students for Justice in Palestine organization.

    Thursday’s mayoral debate was hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC and Telemundo 47/WNJU, in partnership with POLITICO. Election Day is Nov. 4 in New York City in the race to replace Mayor Eric Adams, who suspended his re-election campaign last month. 

    Fox News Digital’s Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report. 

    Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital. 

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  • Mamdani clashes with rivals in fiery debate less than three weeks before NYC chooses next mayor

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    NEW YORK, N.Y. – The three men running to be the next mayor of New York City, the largest city in the United States, clashed on multiple occasions on the debate stage Thursday night on issues ranging from the war in Gaza to public safety to housing costs.  

    Public safety was discussed throughout the debate, with Mamdani’s past disparaging comments about police and his calls to defund the New York City Police Department taking center stage. 

    “He believes in defunding the police, disarming the police, disbanding the police,” Cuomo said. “That’s who he is.”

    Mamdani attempted to distance himself from his past tweets, pointing out that they were from 2020. 

    HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU MISSED FROM ZOHRAN MAMDANI’S FIRST FOX NEWS INTERVIEW

    From left, Mayoral candidates Independent candidate former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani participate in a mayoral debate, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in New York. (Angelina Katsanis, Pool/ AP Photo)

    All three candidates discussed their plans to address the housing crisis in New York City with Mamdani’s plan to “freeze the rent” drawing sharp criticism from Cuomo and Sliwa.

    “Freeze the rent only postpones the rent,” Cuomo said about Mamdani’s plan, making the case that many of Mamdani’s opponents have made that rent freezes would do more harm than good to housing stock. 

    Mamdani attempted to distance himself from his past support of legislation to decriminalize prostitution and faced criticism from both his opponents on that subject.

    Mamdani’s past statements on Israel were another flashpoint during the debate. At one point, Mamdani said, “of course” he supports calling on Hamas to disarm, despite dodging questions on that subject the previous day in an interview with Fox News Channel.

    “I have denounced Hamas time and time again and it will never be enough,” Mamdani said. 

    Republican Curtis Sliwa told Mamdani, “Jews don’t trust that you’ll be there for them when they are victims of anti-Semitic attacks.”

    cuomo and sliwa mayoral debate

    Independent candidate, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, left, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa participate in a mayoral debate, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in New York.  (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool)

    Experience was also brought up several times in the debate, focused on Mamdani and Cuomo making the case that they were the candidate with the right resume to lead the city going forward.

    “This is not a job for a first timer,” Cuomo said of Mamdani, adding, “he’s literally never had a job.”

    “Thank God I’m not a professional politician because they have helped create this crime crisis in the city that we face,” Sliwa said, criticizing both of his opponents’ records. 

    Mamdani shot back with a line directly at Cuomo on the experience issue.

    “What I don’t have in experience, I make up for in integrity,” Mamdani said to Cuomo. “What you don’t have in integrity, you could never make up for in experience.”

    With under three weeks until Election Day, Mamdani holds a double-digit lead in the race for the nation’s most populous city, but Cuomo is narrowing the gap, according to the latest public polling.

    The tightening contest underscores how Cuomo’s independent bid continues to draw support from disaffected Democrats following embattled Mayor Eric Adams’ withdrawal from the race.

    ‘ABSOLUTELY A COMMUNIST’: MAMDANI DODGES LABEL, BUT HIS RECORD AND EXPERT SAY OTHERWISE
     

    Zohran Mamdani supporters

    Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani supporters gather outside 30 Rock in New York City on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.  (Deirdre Heavey/Fox News Digital)

    Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist state lawmaker from the New York City borough of Queens who shocked the political world in June with his convincing win over Cuomo and nine other candidates to capture the Democratic Party’s mayoral nomination, stands at 46% support among likely voters in the most recent survey in the race, from Quinnipiac University.

    Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid multiple scandals and who is running as an independent candidate in the general election after losing the primary, had 33% support in the survey, which was conducted Oct. 3–7.

    Sliwa, who for a second straight election is the Republican mayoral nominee in the Democratic-dominated city, stood at 15% in the poll.

    Quinnipiac’s survey was the only major poll in the field entirely after Adams, a Democrat who was running for re-election as an independent, dropped out of the race. 

    In Quinnipiac University’s previous poll, conducted in early September, Mamdani held a 22-point 45%-23% lead over Cuomo, with Sliwa at 15% and Adams at 12%.

    Despite Mamdani’s lead in the race for Gracie Mansion, the democratic socialist has struggled to secure endorsements from national party leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo supporter holds a sign

    Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo supporters gather outside 30 Rock in New York City on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.  (Deirdre Heavey/Fox News Digital)

    Mamdani did recently secure an endorsement from Gov. Kathy Hochul, who joined Mamdani on the campaign trail this week, but has since refused to return the favor. 
    “It’s a decision that should be made after this general election,” Mamdai said when asked if the candidates are supporting Hochul for re-election. 

    Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.

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  • Mamdani and Cuomo Get Personal in NYC Mayoral Debate: Updates

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    We are almost three quarters of the way through, and while there haven’t been any knockout blows, the most striking feature of the debate has been Mamdani’s aggressiveness. He is not running out the clock on his polling lead but taking the fight right to Andrew Cuomo, and has gotten some of the most memorable lines of the night.

    Among them, after Cuomo talked up his Zohran’s Law plan to means test rent stabilized apartments, Mamdani said: “What you’ve heard it from Andrew Cuomo is that the number one crisis in this city the housing crisis, and his answer is to evict my wife and I. He thinks you address this crisis by unleashing my landlord’s ability to raise my rent. If you think that the problem in this city is that my rent is too low, vote for him.”

    Also, after Cuomo attacked Mamdani on his experience, Mamdani responded, “What I don’t have in experience, I make up for in integrity.
    And what Andrew Cuomo lacks in integrity, he could never make up for with experience.”

    And finally, noted that his plan to have city-run grocery stores would cost the same as the state paid to represent Cuomo in the various lawsuits against him.

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    Intelligencer Staff

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  • Katie Porter says she

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    California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter responded to a question on Tuesday about her behavior in recent viral videos. Sabrina Rodriguez, national politics reporter for The Washington Post, and Eleanor Mueller, Congress reporter for Semafor, join with analysis.

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  • Mamdani Directly Addresses Trump Via Fox News Appearance

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    For months, President Donald Trump has railed against Zohran Mamdani, denouncing the democratic socialist as a “communist” and threatening to withhold federal funds from New York City under his potential mayoralty. But on Wednesday, the Democratic nominee used an appearance on Fox News, the president’s preferred network, to address Trump directly and contrast himself from his rival, former governor Andrew Cuomo.

    Mamdani joined host Martha MacCallum on her show The Story, addressing topics ranging from the recently secured cease-fire agreement in Gaza to his past remarks on the NYPD. In one exchange, MacCallum asked Mamdani about his qualifications to be mayor, citing a quote from Trump who said the assemblymember has “never worked a day in his life.”

    With MacCallum’s mention of Trump, Mamdani turned toward the camera, saying he wanted to take a moment to speak directly to the president. He also used the opportunity to knock both Cuomo and the incumbent mayor, Eric Adams.

    “I will not be a mayor like Mayor Adams, who will call you to figure out how to stay out of jail. I won’t be a disgraced governor like Andrew Cuomo, who will call you to ask how to win this election. I can do those things on my own. I will, however, be a mayor who is ready to speak at any time to lower the cost of living. That’s the way that I’m going to lead this city,” Mamdani said. “That’s the way the partnership I want to build not only with Washington, D.C., but with anyone across this country. I think it’s important because too often the focus on the needs of working-class Americans, working-class New Yorkers are put to the side as we talk more and more about the very kinds of corrupt politicians like Andrew Cuomo that delivered us into this kind of crisis.”

    MacCallum opened the interview by asking Mamdani if he would give Trump credit for the newly implemented cease-fire deal in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Mamdani suggested that it was too soon. “I think it’s too early to do so. But if it proves to be something that is lasting, something that is durable, then I think that’s where you give credit,” he said.

    Mamdani was also questioned about his past social-media posts criticizing the NYPD, comments that he has said are at odds with the campaign he is currently running and were borne out of “frustration” following the killing of George Floyd in 2020. MacCallum asked if Mamdani would apologize publicly to police officers as he has promised he would and he said he would, once again turning toward the camera.

    “Absolutely. I’ll apologize to police officers right here because this is the apology that I’ve been sharing with many rank-and-file officers. And I apologize because of the fact that I’m looking to work with these officers and I know that these officers, these men and women who serve in the NYPD, put their lives on the line every single day,” Mamdani said.


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    Nia Prater

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