Former NY Gov. Paterson Urges Unity Against Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race

Former New York Governor David Paterson has called on moderate independent candidates in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, particularly Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, to unite behind a single candidate to prevent Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani from winning. Paterson warned that splitting the vote among moderates could hand the election to Mamdani, whom he and other centrists consider unprepared to govern due to his progressive policies like rent freezes and city-run grocery stores. Despite Adams leading in polls, Cuomo has refused to withdraw from the race, even after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani, leading to tensions between the two. President Donald Trump has also targeted Mamdani, labeling him a "Communist Lunatic" and threatening legal actions, while Mamdani dismisses these claims as distractions. Mamdani's historic candidacy as the city's potential first Muslim and Indian American mayor has polarized opinions, with progressives embracing his platform and moderates expressing concern about the party's direction. Paterson and other political leaders emphasize the need for unity among moderates, with hopes that business and financial leaders will support the consolidation to strengthen their electoral chances.