Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will remain in the New York City mayoral race as an independent, despite losing the Democratic primary to progressive Zohran Mamdani, according to multiple news reports.
Cuomo, 67, conceded the primary earlier this week but is now expected to run on a “Fight and Deliver” ballot line. It remains unclear whether he will actively campaign in the months ahead.
His decision sets up a high-profile three-way race in November’s general election, with Mamdani as the Democratic nominee and embattled incumbent Mayor Eric Adams also seeking reelection as an independent.
In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 25, 2025
My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it.
I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City. pic.twitter.com/AgW0Z30xw1
Mamdani, a state assemblyman backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, surged to victory with a message centered on housing affordability and public services. If elected, he would become the city’s first Muslim mayor.
Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment, but remains a well-known figure in New York politics.
