Cuomo Labels Rival Mamdani “Divisive” in Final Stretch of New York City Mayoral Race

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent for mayor of New York City, intensified his criticism of Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani during a televised interview on Oct. 30, 2025. Speaking with anchor Linsey Davis on “ABC News Live Prime,” Cuomo described Mamdani as “very divisive” and argued that his opponent does not grasp “the New York way,” comments delivered just four days before voters head to the polls.

The exchange followed Cuomo’s earlier appearance on Fox News, where he noted Mamdani’s dual citizenship with the United States and Uganda and suggested the candidate lacks an understanding of “New York culture” and “New York values.” Questioned about those remarks, Cuomo told Davis, “You can be a New Yorker and not understand New Yorkers,” adding that Mamdani’s rhetoric during the campaign had been “highly inflammatory.”

Cuomo cited several statements by his rival, including Mamdani’s 2022 description of the New York City Police Department as “racist” and “wicked.” Mamdani has since apologized, saying those words no longer reflect his views. Cuomo contended that in a city as diverse as New York, leaders must avoid language that exacerbates division. ABC News requested comment from Mamdani’s campaign; earlier in the week, Mamdani told Davis he seeks to “serve everyone who calls the city home.”

Cuomo said his decision to enter the race stemmed from what he sees as deep problems confronting America’s largest city. Pointing to his past role as U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development, he warned of what urban analysts call an “urban death spiral” and asserted that his experience equips him to “make government work and actually make change.”

The campaign has also been marked by accusations of Islamophobia. During a recent radio appearance, Cuomo appeared to agree with a host who suggested Mamdani would celebrate “another 9/11.” Cuomo later responded that he believed the host was joking, labeled the remark offensive, and accused Mamdani of wrongly framing the exchange as anti-Muslim. “The Muslim community didn’t say that. I was just endorsed by major leaders of the Muslim community,” Cuomo told Davis.

Cuomo repeatedly highlighted what he calls Mamdani’s lack of preparation for City Hall. The mayor’s office oversees roughly 300,000 employees and manages an annual budget of about $115 billion. Referencing potential crises such as terror attacks, pandemics or natural disasters, the former governor said, “There is no on-the-job training.” Mamdani has countered the criticism by emphasizing ethical leadership, stating during the first general-election debate, “What I don’t have in experience, I make up for in integrity.”

The race represents Cuomo’s attempt at a political rebound after his 2021 resignation amid sexual-harassment allegations, claims he continues to deny. In the interview, he called the investigative report that prompted his departure “political,” pointed out that related cases were dismissed, and maintained that no harassment occurred. “I never had the opportunity for people to actually hear the facts,” he said.

Imagem: Internet

Cuomo is running on the “Fight and Deliver” ballot line after losing the June Democratic primary to Mamdani. Despite his independent status, he affirmed that he still identifies with the Democratic Party, which he said is divided between progressive and moderate factions. “They have a more radical agenda, and I don’t think it works for New York City,” he stated.

The upcoming election arrives amid increased voter engagement. According to the New York City Board of Elections, early voting turnout is already outpacing the 2021 mayoral contest. With more than 8.3 million residents, New York City is the nation’s most populous municipality, U.S. Census Bureau data show, underscoring the significant impact of the office’s leadership.

Cuomo framed the Nov. 4 vote as pivotal not only for the city but also for the direction of the Democratic Party nationally. “I believe it’s an election that determines the future of New York City. I think it determines the future of the Democratic Party,” he said.

Crédito da imagem: Heidi Gutman/ABC