Cuomo Gains Bipartisan Support, Trails Mamdani in Polls

As the New York City mayoral race reaches its final days, independent candidate Andrew Cuomo has garnered significant support from notable political figures, including former Mayor Mike Bloomberg and former Governor David Paterson. This bipartisan backing includes endorsements from Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy, who previously criticized Cuomo’s administration.

Langworthy, a former chairman of the New York State GOP, expressed his surprising shift in support during a recent interview with CBS News. He stated, “No one was a fiercer critic of his time as governor than I was,” referring to his past opposition to Cuomo’s policies, notably his decision to close several correctional facilities in 2020. Langworthy had previously denounced Cuomo’s actions, suggesting that they mirrored the character of Ebeneezer Scrooge in a scathing critique.

In a further show of Republican support, Congressman Mike Lawler also endorsed Cuomo, though he acknowledged their contentious history. Lawler remarked, “I don’t like Andrew Cuomo. I have been very clear about my problems with Andrew Cuomo,” but he ultimately deemed Cuomo the best option in the current race.

Republican Concerns About Democratic Nominee

Langworthy and other Republican leaders have expressed concerns regarding Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, particularly his association with the Democratic Socialists of America. Mamdani’s campaign proposes policies such as providing free public transportation, freezing rent on stabilized units, and increasing taxes on higher earners. These proposals have drawn sharp criticism, with Langworthy arguing that they could adversely affect New York City and potentially influence policies nationwide.

Langworthy noted a strategic perspective among some Republicans, suggesting they might prefer Mamdani’s victory because they believe it would reflect poorly on the Democratic Party. He cautioned that Mamdani’s policies could become “contagious” if he gains the platform that comes with the mayoral position.

When asked why he did not support Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, Langworthy raised doubts about Sliwa’s viability as a candidate, questioning whether his campaign serves a genuine purpose or is merely for personal promotion. This skepticism reflects broader concerns within the party regarding Sliwa’s standing in the race.

Polling Dynamics Ahead of Election Day

Current polling data from Quinnipiac University indicates that Mamdani leads Cuomo with 43 percent support compared to Cuomo’s 33 percent, while Sliwa remains in third place with only 14 percent. This data highlights the uphill battle Cuomo faces, despite his recent endorsements.

Mamdani has also received support from Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, who endorsed him during a recent campaign event. In an interview on “The Daily Show,” Mamdani suggested that traditional endorsements may no longer hold the sway they once did, emphasizing his campaign’s focus on grassroots efforts such as neighborhood canvassing and phone banking.

As the election approaches on November 4, 2025, early voting has seen nearly half a million New Yorkers already casting their ballots. Despite pressure for him to withdraw from the race to potentially boost Cuomo’s chances, Sliwa has remained steadfast, asserting that the decision on the next mayor should rest with the voters, not with wealthy donors or political elites.

With the dynamics of the race shifting rapidly, the final days leading up to the election promise to be critical in determining the future leadership of New York City.