Mayor Eric Adams Criticizes Cuomo’s Independent Run, Calls it Divisive

In a rally at the Bolivian Day Parade in Queens, Mayor Eric Adams condemned former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plan to re-enter the mayoral race as an independent, describing it as a waste of time that will divide voters and hurt the city’s prospects. Adams, who is seeking re-election himself, argued that Cuomo’s ego-driven decision only increases confusion, especially since Cuomo was already defeated in the Democratic primary by socialist Zohran Mamdani.

Adams emphasized that he did not lose the primary, referencing Mamdani’s surprise victory over Cuomo, and asserted that Cuomo’s potential independent campaign could split the vote, allowing Mamdani to win more easily. According to a recent poll, Mamdani leads with 35% approval, with Cuomo trailing at 25%, Republican Curtis Sliwa at 14%, and Adams at 11%.

While Cuomo has yet to make an official announcement, his spokesperson maintains he is the best candidate to beat Mamdani. Adams responded sharply to Cuomo’s plans, dismissing the potential for a Cuomo candidacy to unify the field, and said, “We’re moving straight ahead,” adding, “It’s so important that we continue to focus on the future of the city.”

Cuomo has floated the idea of a pledge requiring all non-leading candidates to drop out by September, but critics like Sliwa dismissed this as unrealistic. Sliwa pointed out he is the only major-party candidate, dismissing the strategy and criticizing Cuomo and Adams for their current approaches.

Additionally, Cuomo’s absence from the race has been noted, with some pointing out that he’s hiding in the Hamptons, while Adams has fled to Florida. Analysts say both are trying to maintain relevance as they seek to influence the race from afar.

Some observers, including former federal prosecutor Jim Walden, expressed hope that Cuomo and others would prioritize the city’s interests over personal ambitions by agreeing to a pledge to step aside if they are not the front-runner by September. Walden echoed calls for unity among candidates to focus on New York’s future.