Cuomo, Adams Resist Uniting Against Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race

The 2025 New York City mayoral race has intensified with Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani gaining momentum, prompting former Governor Andrew Cuomo to launch an independent bid and propose a pledge for candidates to drop out in favor of the leading contender to avoid splitting votes. Cuomo's call aims to consolidate the anti-Mamdani vote, but both incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa have rejected this approach, with Adams criticizing Cuomo's past governance and Sliwa asserting his legitimate path to victory. Mamdani has secured endorsements from key unions and political figures who previously backed Cuomo, further solidifying his position. Calls for unity among candidates to block Mamdani's bid have been voiced by figures like former Governor David Paterson and independent candidate Jim Walden, who propose an independent poll to determine the strongest candidate. However, experts and candidates alike express skepticism about any withdrawals, highlighting the competitive and fractious nature of the race. Meanwhile, Cuomo and Adams have been visible in social settings like Hamptons events, underscoring their ongoing efforts to maintain political relevance amid the crowded field.