NYC Mayoral Race Intensifies as Adams, Cuomo Vie Against Mamdani

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is urging former Governor Andrew Cuomo to withdraw from the November mayoral general election after Cuomo's significant defeat in the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani. Both Adams and Cuomo remain on independent ballot lines, splitting the moderate vote and complicating the race against Mamdani, a democratic socialist who has energized a grassroots following. Adams criticized Cuomo’s campaign strategy and accused him of arrogance for expecting Adams to step aside despite Cuomo’s loss by 12 points in the primary. Cuomo reportedly asked Adams to drop out first, a request Adams rejected, citing his position as the sitting mayor and Cuomo’s poor showing. This standoff has raised concerns about dividing the anti-Mamdani vote, with other candidates like Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Jim Walden also running, and calls from figures like former Governor David Paterson urging Adams and Cuomo to unite against Mamdani. Adams plans to mobilize new voters to overcome Mamdani's base, while Cuomo’s campaign acknowledges the difficult math ahead and is considering proposals to consolidate support among moderates.