Socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani turned a jab from Andrew Cuomo into a fundraising windfall on Monday.
Cuomo, the former New York governor turned independent contender, announced his campaign in a video on social platform X, taking direct aim at Mamdani with a thinly veiled swipe.
“Only 13 percent of New Yorkers voted in the June primary. The general election is in November, and I am in it to win it,” Cuomo said.
Calling out Mamdani for offering “slick slogans but no real solutions,” he positioned himself as the candidate ready to bring back lower rent, safer streets, affordable childcare, and a path to homeownership.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 14, 2025
Acknowledging complaints from his base, Cuomo said he would now be more visible.
“Every day I’m going to be hitting the streets… because for the next few months it’s my responsibility to earn your vote,” he added.
Mamdani seized the moment to solicit donations. Shortly after Cuomo’s video went live, the democratic socialist candidate posted a donation link, which quickly racked up nearly 100,000 likes by Monday night.
In stark contrast, Cuomo’s original video garnered just under 3,000.
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Mamdani didn’t hold back either, using the moment to torch both Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams.
“While Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams trip over each other to win the approval of billionaires in backrooms, our campaign remains focused on working New Yorkers,” he posted on X.
Cuomo, undeterred by his primary defeat, has formally re-entered the mayoral race as an independent.
lmao pic.twitter.com/J458X22i6W
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) July 14, 2025
He joins Mamdani, fellow independent Eric Adams, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in what is shaping up to be a fractured general election.
Some observers worry the crowded field could allow Mamdani to cruise to victory by breaking up the anti-socialist vote among his challengers.
Adams previously claimed Cuomo had asked him to abandon his re-election campaign to avoid splitting votes.
But now it’s Cuomo being urged to step aside, with donors like billionaire Bill Ackman, a primary campaign contributor, reportedly pressuring him to exit and consolidate support around Adams.
While Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams trip over each other to win the approval of billionaires in backrooms, our campaign remains focused on working New Yorkers and their clear desire for a different kind of politics. pic.twitter.com/UnniE24G0Z
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 14, 2025
Cuomo’s video didn’t land well with everyone. Dan Pfeiffer, a former Obama adviser and co-host of “Pod Save America,” blasted it as lacking energy and coherence.
“This is one of the least compelling campaign videos that I have ever seen,” Pfeiffer wrote on X.
He called Cuomo a “visibly annoyed man wearing an ill-fitting shirt.”
Cuomo, however, claimed he’d be willing to step aside—under certain conditions.
Referring to a proposal by former Governor David Paterson, Cuomo floated the idea of all candidates deferring to whoever polls strongest in September.
“If it’s me, fine. If it’s not me, I will defer,” he said. The goal, he insisted, was to stop Mamdani.
Andrew Cuomo says he will exit mayoral race if he can’t beat Zohran Mamdani https://t.co/5bRGnS8zgZ pic.twitter.com/3jc50yrdBc
— New York Post (@nypost) July 14, 2025
Meanwhile, Mamdani’s campaign showed signs of strain Monday. During a union endorsement event hosted by the American Federation of Musicians, Local 802, Mamdani was interrupted mid-interview.
Reporters were questioning him about Cuomo’s independent run and his scheduled meeting with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries when campaign staff abruptly cut off the event.
“I think we’re done here. We’re going to go. Come on. We’re wrapping up, folks,” a staffer announced as Mamdani lingered at the podium, trying to continue the Q&A.
NOW: Mamdani accepting the endorsement of Local 802 – American Federation of Musicians
Mamdani “this is by far the best band at a press conference this week.” pic.twitter.com/WBTnWY0AH3
— Ayana Harry Dudley (@AyanaHarry) July 14, 2025
The press conference ended in confusion as a live band began playing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and a campaign aide physically pulled Mamdani away from the press.
Despite the rocky moment, Mamdani confirmed the upcoming meeting with Jeffries. The powerful House Democrat has yet to endorse anyone in the race.
“I’m looking forward to that meeting with Congressman Jeffries,” Mamdani told reporters, adding that he hoped to be a partner to Jeffries in both reclaiming the House and opposing Donald Trump’s agenda.
