Costumed Protester at Mermaid Parade Jerks About Cuomo, Announces Candidacy

During the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, a man dressed in an eccentric costume resembling a torn New York governor Andrew Cuomo made an appearance, holding a provocative sign and voicing a political message.

The individual, who humorously identified as “washed up scum,” donned a costume featuring green strings mimicking algae, a torn dress shirt, and Cuomo’s oversized head. On his back, a sign read “don’t rank me,” referencing New York’s ranked-choice voting system, in which voters can rank up to five mayoral candidates.

Person in Andrew Cuomo mask at the Mermaid Parade holding a sign that says "Vote Washed Up Scum Tuesday". — The man dressed as Andrew Cuomo during the parade insisted that people call him “washed up scum.”

He humorously claimed he was aiming to influence the upcoming election, saying, “I’m trying to get reelected on Tuesday and I thought I’d bring my message to the voters.” In reality, Cuomo is not a candidate, but the protester humorously suggested he “made the state fill up with as much scum as I could when I was governor” and wanted to bring that attitude to the city.

Person at the New York City Mermaid Parade dressed as Andrew Cuomo with a sign that says 'Don't Rank Me'. — Voters in NYC can rank up to five mayoral candidates in order of preference.

In the current Democratic primary race, Cuomo leads with approximately 55% of support, though his lead is narrowing as challenger Zohran Mamdani gains ground, halving the gap from a month ago.

Andrew Cuomo speaking at a union rally. — Cuomo resigned as governor amidst controversy in 2021.

The New York City mayoral race has stirred significant voter engagement, with early voting turnout doubling compared to four years ago, according to the city Board of Elections.