In a shocking turnabout to New York City’s already frenetic mayoral contest, outgoing Mayor Eric Adams has formally backed former Gov.
Andrew Cuomo to replace him – a development that might radically realign the contest’s final weeks. The endorsement, confirmed Oct. 23, comes as Cuomo struggles to close a double-digit polling deficit behind Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a left-wing state assemblyman who is well-known for his democratic socialist platform.
The news surprised political watchers not just because Adams had earlier referred to Cuomo as “a liar and a snake,” but also because the nod is an about-face from the bitter feud that used to characterize their relationship. Adams’ term has been marred by federal corruption indictments and a drop in public trust, and the endorsement could be his final big move as mayor before voters go to the polls on Nov. 4.
Adams’ Abrupt Change of Heart
One month ago, Cuomo and Adams were bitter political foes. Adams had accused Cuomo of sabotaging his reelection bid and branded him as untrustworthy. But now, with Adams’ political career in jeopardy and Mamdani gaining popularity, the departing mayor appears to be in a hurry to endorse the ex-governor in a bid to stop Mamdani from getting elected.
“Mayor plans to campaign with Andrew Cuomo,” announced Todd Shapiro, Adams’ press secretary, confirming the news. “Dual public appearances are being arranged.”
The New York Times broke the news of the endorsement, adding that Adams and Cuomo shared the platform together at Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks’ opening game on Oct. 22 – mere hours after the last mayoral debate.
The endorsement is a political realignment in significance within the political power base of New York, with two scandal-ridden politicians trying to bring together moderate and conservative voters against an emerging progressive tide headed by Mamdani.
A Race Characterized by Scandal and Strategy
C Cuomo, 67, is seeking to run as an independent following his fall from power as governor in 2021 amid a series of sexual misconduct allegations and scandals over how his administration handled nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of his damaged reputation, Cuomo is an astute political strategist and is looking to appeal to both moderate Democrats and disillusioned Republicans.
His campaign has centered on portraying Mamdani, a democratic socialist, as “too radical” for New York City – a message that resonates with some of the city’s more centrist voters.
While that was happening, Adams’ support arrives during his own current corruption scandal. His 65-year-old mayor and a handful of top officials in his administration are accused of soliciting and accepting improper gifts and donations from overseas sources, including the government of Turkey. Even though the Justice Department dismissed the charges after Adams allegedly agreed to work with federal immigration authorities, the allegations have permanently tainted his public image.
A former Brooklyn borough president and NYPD officer, Adams had originally established his political career as a centrist Democrat targeting working-class urban voters in the outer boroughs of the city. He won the 2021 Democratic primary with widespread backing of Black, Latino, and Asian communities, subsequently defeating Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election.
But his time as mayor soon became embroiled in scandal, and by late September Adams had withdrawn from the Democratic primary and suspended his independent run due to falling poll ratings.
Cuomo’s Second Chance
Cuomo’s campaign had been doing badly since losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani in a shock defeat. Now, with the backing of Adams, he is hoping to revive his fortunes by uniting the anti-Mamdani vote.
Surveys at present indicate Cuomo lagging behind Mamdani by double digits, with Sliwa – still in the race despite being told to get out – a distant third. Cuomo has been said to have contacted Sliwa’s conservative base and asked them to support him to stop Mamdani from winning.
Nevertheless, Sliwa has indicated no desire to quit. “Absolutely not!” he thundered at the Oct. 22 debate when questioned if he would take Adams’ endorsement. “Put that crook in jail where he belongs.” Cuomo swiftly retorted, cautioning, “Be careful.”
Mamdani Fires Back
Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic nominee and rising star of the city’s left, responded to the endorsement on X (formerly Twitter) with a jab referencing Donald Trump’s book title, “The Art of the Deal.”
The Art of the Deal. https://t.co/EZdka0OVu9
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) October 23, 2025
“We are going to turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas that these two disgraced executives embody,” Mamdani said in a statement. “We’ll build a city every New Yorker can afford.”
Trump himself had earlier expressed the hope that either Adams or Cuomo would be able to beat Mamdani, seeing the progressive candidate as a menace to customary party hierarchies.
What’s Next for New York City
Adams’ backing of Cuomo is an unusual union of two beleaguered politicians whose reputations have been tainted by scandal. For Adams, it could be a bid to save his political reputation and keep a grip on the city’s moderate voting base. For Cuomo, it’s a lifeline for a campaign that has not been able to get any traction.
Whether this alliance will make a meaningful impact remains to be seen. Mamdani’s grassroots campaign continues to energize younger and progressive voters, while Cuomo’s and Adams’ shared baggage could alienate voters seeking change.
As the Nov. 4 general election approaches, New York City finds itself at a political crossroads – between the old guard of establishment figures fighting for redemption and a new wave of progressives demanding systemic reform.
For now, one thing is certain: the Adams-Cuomo alliance has added yet another twist to one of the most unpredictable mayoral races in New York City history.
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