Cuomo to Run as Independent in NYC Mayoral Race

Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce plans to stay in the New York City Mayoral race as an independent, despite his stunning loss to socialist Zohran Mamdani — with critics blasting the disgraced ex-governor as a “loser” who needs to “stop playing games with the voters and get out of the race.”

Cuomo, 67, is going to unveil his independent candidate bid in the next few days, sources told NewsNation, with his spokesperson telling The Post, “There’ll be an official announcement soon.”

But, there is a catch to Cuomo throwing his hat in the ring.

After his announcement, the ex-gov is going to ask all of the candidates — except for Democratic nominee Mamdani — to vow to drop out of the race come mid-September if they are not in the lead, himself included, a source close to the candidate told NewsNation.

Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent, appeared to be visibly annoyed on Sunday by Cuomo’s move when The Post caught up with him at the Bolivian Day Parade.

“We’re moving straight ahead. It’s so important that we continue to move ahead,” the mayor scoffed after at first refusing to comment and then quickly ducking into a car.

But he was in much better spirits later in the afternoon at Manhattan’s annual Carneval Vegano — as he cut the ribbon and the crowd began chanting, “Four more years!”

Asked by The Post at that point if he planned to drop out of the race to pave the way for Cuomo’s run, Hizzoner replied, “Are you kidding me?

“I didn’t lose in the primary,” quipped Adams — who as an independent wasn’t a primary candidate.

His campaign then put out a statement later Sunday, taking the former governor to the woodshed.

“Andrew Cuomo lost the Democratic primary by double digits and is now doing the same thing he did to respected leaders like Charlie King, Governor David Paterson, and Carl McCall, Assembly Keith Wright,” the campaign wrote in a searing statement.

“This kind of political double-dealing is exactly why so many New Yorkers have lost trust in him. The people spoke loudly — he lost. Yet he continues to put himself over the number one goal- beating Mamdani and securing our city future,” the Adams camp continued.

“Let’s not forget the damage he caused as governor. Cuomo led the charge on a flawed bail reform law that made our communities less safe. He failed New York’s most vulnerable during COVID with deadly nursing home policies. And he signed a cannabis law with no enforcement plan, unleashing thousands of illegal smoke shops across the city.

“Now, in the face of a serious threat an inexperienced opponent, Cuomo is wasting time and dividing voters. He failed then — and he’s failing New Yorkers now.”

Even some old Cuomo allies eviscerated the move — including a Democratic strategist who worked for his late father, Mario Cuomo, when he was New York governor.

“Andrew is a loser. The voters called him a loser. Stop playing games with the voters and get out of the race,” said Allen Cappelli, who has known Cuomo for more than 40 years.

“We had a process. It’s called the Democratic primary and Mamdani got more votes than any candidate in history. You don’t get respect by losing again,” she added.

Cuomo’s expected announcement comes despite polls showing the former governor trailing the upstart socialist candidate – though his rep noted that despite his loss in the Democratic primary, Cuomo remains the leading alternative to Mamdani in the polls.

The latest survey from political consulting firm Slingshot Strategies has Mamdani comfortably leading the pack with 35% of the vote, followed by Cuomo at 25%, Republican Curtis Sliwa in third with 14%, and Adams in fourth with a paltry 11%.

Cuomo and Adams will now both run as independents on Nov. 4, after Hizzoner announced he would seek re-election in June following the dismissal of federal corruption charges against him.

Despite the Cuomo camp’s insistence he is the only alternative to Mamdani, critics still believe the primary results speak for themselves.

“Everyone has a right to run, but as the Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair, it is my duty and privilege to support the Democratic Party’s clear choice, which is Zohran Mamdani,” said Brooklyn Democratic chairwoman and Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte, who supported Cuomo in the primary but now backs Mamdani as the nominee.

“If he wants to run, let him run, it’s not going to affect New York’s City choice in November, Zohran,” she added.

Queens Sen. John Liu characterized the announcement as pathetic and desperate.

“His announcement is rather predictable, as are declining poll numbers for him as November approaches,” Liu said. “And if he stays in the race, another opportunity for him to announce on election night that Zohran had a good day.”

Queens Assemblyman Ron Kim bluntly declared: “People are ready to move on from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.”

Some voters also agreed.

“Cuomo had his chance. He didn’t campaign. He arrogantly expected NYers to vote for him without engaging them,” wrote Bronx mother and local activist Monda Davids on X.

“All the millions spent couldn’t help Cuomo because he was MIA and only had tightly coordinated indoor ‘union’ rallies,” she said. “He’s on the ballot. We know his ‘running.’”

Former federal prosecutor Jim Walden, who is also running as an independent in the race, spoke out Sunday after Cuomo’s announcement.

“I am glad Andrew has agreed to adopt my pledge. I hope Eric and Curtis sign on as well,” he told NewsNation in a statement. “Putting New York’s best interests over our personal ambitions is critical at this moment.”

Sliwa, who lost to Adams in 2021’s election, slammed both the incumbent mayor and Cuomo.

“Andrew Cuomo lost his primary and hides in the Hamptons. Eric Adams skipped his and fled to Fort Lauderdale. Now, they’re both running as independents to cling to relevance,” he told The Post in a statement.

“I’m the only candidate with a major party nomination, a 50-year record of serving New Yorkers and a real path to victory. While they play musical chairs on a sinking ship, I’m out campaigning in NYC, listening, leading, and fighting to win it for the people. Let the voters decide this November,” Sliwa added.