Zohran Mamdani Reacts to Andrew Cuomo Reportedly Staying in NYC Mayor’s Race

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani responded to a report that Andrew Cuomo is staying in the New York City mayoral race during an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett on Wednesday night.

According to reporting by CNN, Cuomo will remain on the November general election ballot and will not withdraw by Friday’s deadline. Although Cuomo conceded the Democratic primary to Mamdani, he will retain his spot on the “Fight & Deliver” ballot line, keeping open the option to challenge Mamdani and Mayor Eric Adams, running as an Independent, in the fall.

Burnett asked Mamdani if the report surprised him.

“Ultimately, Andrew’s decision or my decision matters less than the decision the voters already took on Tuesday night,” he replied. “What we saw from Bay Ridge to Dyker Heights to Harlem to Washington Heights, we saw a mandate delivered for a new generation of leadership. And I’m so proud and excited to build on that mandate and ever-expanding coalition.”

He continued, that includes the endorsement of Congressman Jerry Nadler, State Senator Brad Holyman-Sigal, and soon-to-be New York City Comptroller Mark Levine. And that is a coalition that will expand through November.”

Sources told CNN that Cuomo’s team believes the broader general electorate could be more receptive to his candidacy than primary voters.

When asked if he was “worried” about a re-do, Mamdani said, “We did it once and it turned out pretty well.”

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.