Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly telling influential city power-brokers that he will run for mayor if current Mayor Eric Adams is forced from office.
This revelation comes as conversations heat up around a potential nonpartisan special election, which would be triggered by Adams’ departure.
Earlier this week, Cuomo met with veteran Brooklyn Democratic power broker Frank Seddio, where he made it clear: “I’m in it to win it if Adams leaves his post.”
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An insider familiar with the discussions confirmed his ambitions, stating, “Cuomo has told several people I know he’s running. He [also] told real estate folks … that he’s running for sure in a special [election].”
Another city powerbroker corroborated this, noting that Cuomo’s allies have been actively reaching out to schedule meetings, leading him to believe that Cuomo is “definitely” running if a special election occurs.
Cuomo has been in contact with high-profile real estate and construction leaders to discuss his plans, and insiders indicate he is in talks with the political consulting firm Mercury Public Affairs.
With nearly universal name recognition in New York and a significant war chest of campaign funds remaining from his gubernatorial tenure, Cuomo is well-positioned for a special election that is anticipated to be swift and tumultuous.
Since his exit from office, Cuomo has shifted towards the political center, publicly opposing the Defund the Police movement and labeling the migrant crisis in New York as a “government blunder.”