Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing growing calls to enter the race for New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. The latest endorsement comes from Congressman Ritchie Torres, who has openly urged Cuomo to challenge current Mayor Eric Adams.
Why Torres Thinks Cuomo Is NYC’s Best Bet
Torres, known for his candid opinions, believes that Cuomo’s strong leadership style is exactly what the city needs right now. He criticized Mayor Adams for his perceived closeness to former President Donald Trump and argued that Cuomo’s experience could help address rising crime and political polarization.
“When it comes to confronting political extremism in New York, when it comes to confronting the crisis of crime, we need not a nice guy, but a tough guy like Andrew Cuomo,” Torres said.
Cuomo’s Track Record: A Reason for Rising Support?
Cuomo’s popularity seems to be resurging, thanks to his track record as governor. During his time in office, he led major redevelopment projects such as:
- LaGuardia Airport’s transformation
- The expansion of the Javits Center
- Renovation of Moynihan Train Station
Polls show growing support for Cuomo. A recent United New York poll placed him at:
- 36% support among Democratic primary voters
- Scott Stringer following with 16%
- Eric Adams trailing with 15%
- Brad Lander (13%) and Jessica Ramos (10%) behind them
In a ranked-choice voting scenario, Cuomo’s lead grows significantly, eventually securing 67% of the vote against Stringer’s 37% after eight rounds.
Mayor Adams Responds to Cuomo’s Poll Surge
When asked about Cuomo’s rising poll numbers, Mayor Eric Adams took a relaxed approach, comparing the early-stage race to a long sports season:
“This is early. The playoffs start once petitions are actually completed. There’s a lot of time to June,” Adams remarked.
Will Cuomo Enter the Race?
While the pressure to run is mounting, Cuomo hasn’t made an official announcement yet. According to reports, he’s discussing the possibility with his three daughters before making a final decision. The former governor is aware of the tough battle ahead and is reportedly weighing both personal and family considerations.
With the petitioning process about to begin, Cuomo would need to make his move soon—possibly within the next week. Sources close to him suggest that he already has a campaign structure in place, including a campaign manager, signaling he may be closer to announcing than it seems.
