• New York’s centrist Democrats are in disarray as Mayor Eric Adams and ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo clash over who should challenge socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani. With Cuomo urging Adams to step aside, and Adams refusing, the moderate lane risks fracturing ahead of November’s pivotal New York City mayoral election.

NEW YORK, NY (TDR) — A political knife fight is breaking out in the heart of New York City’s Democratic establishment as Mayor Eric Adams publicly accused President Trump-era Gov. Andrew Cuomo of pressuring him to drop out of the upcoming mayoral election—despite Adams being the incumbent and Cuomo having just suffered a bruising primary defeat.

The latest intraparty conflict underscores the ideological chaos within the Democratic Party’s moderate wing as it scrambles to prevent a November victory for Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who stunned the political class by defeating Cuomo in the June 24 primary. The infighting also threatens to fracture anti-Mamdani efforts among Democrats, independents, and even some Republicans.

Adams to Cuomo: “I’m the Mayor—You Lost”

During a Monday interview on CNBC, Adams revealed a tense exchange with Cuomo, in which the former governor allegedly encouraged him to exit the race and make way for a stronger moderate challenger.

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“I said, Andrew: ‘Are you that level of arrogance?’” Adams recounted. “I’m the sitting mayor of the City of New York and you expect for me to step aside when you just lost to Zohran by 12 points?”

Adams, who is running for reelection on an independent line after withdrawing from the Democratic primary amid a federal corruption probe, suggested it’s Cuomo—not him—who should step aside. “Now let a fresh set of legs that has produced for this city run the race,” Adams added.

Cuomo Camp Floats Polling Deal, Slams Adams

Cuomo’s team, while declining to confirm private conversations, acknowledged their preference for determining the best anti-Mamdani candidate through a publicly commissioned poll this September. The proposal would see Adams and Cuomo measured in hypothetical head-to-head matchups against Mamdani, with the weaker contender expected to drop out.

“Mayor Adams is unelectable,” said Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi. “This is the time to put aside political selfishness and agree to do what’s truly best for all New Yorkers.”

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Early polling data gives Cuomo a slight edge. A recent American Pulse survey showed Mamdani leading the field at 35%, with Cuomo at 29%, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa at 16%, and Adams trailing at just 14%.

Sliwa Holds His Ground as GOP Wild Card

Curtis Sliwa, who captured nearly a third of the vote in the 2021 mayoral race, has made clear he has no intention of stepping aside. “I’m not dropping out no matter who talks to me,” he said. Though some Republicans have floated the idea of President Trump offering Sliwa a federal role to consolidate the anti-Mamdani vote behind Adams, Sliwa rejected the notion outright.

“Politely, I would say: Mr. President, I am only interested in one job and that’s being mayor,” he said.

Mamdani Consolidates Progressive Support

Meanwhile, Mamdani continues to build momentum. His campaign, anchored by left-wing policies like rent freezes, free public transit, and increased taxes on the wealthy, received over 545,000 votes in the primary—more than any mayoral candidate in nearly four decades.

“In the coming months, Zohran looks forward to growing this coalition and reaching new voters with his vision for an affordable New York City,” said campaign spokesman Andrew Epstein.

With registered Democrats vastly outnumbering other voters in the city, Mamdani remains the clear frontrunner heading into November unless moderates unify behind a single challenger.

Fractured Moderates Face Strategic Dilemma

The choice between Adams and Cuomo is splitting New York’s moderate establishment. Former Gov. David Paterson, who has endorsed Cuomo’s run, declined to name which candidate should lead the charge against Mamdani.

“Help us put together a search and an understanding of which one of these candidates not only would win the election, but could govern the city,” Paterson said Monday at a Midtown event alongside radio host Sid Rosenberg and billionaire John Catsimatidis.

Adams’ team has rejected the Cuomo camp’s polling proposal as a stunt. “To suggest a ‘poll’ four months ahead of the election should have any significance is ridiculous,” said campaign strategist Frank Carone, who added that Adams still has a viable path to turn around public opinion.

Cuomo’s Political Resurrection Uncertain

Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations and scandals surrounding COVID-19 nursing home deaths, has largely avoided the spotlight since his surprise primary loss to Mamdani. Still, his campaign maintains that Cuomo remains a formidable contender.

They cite comparative turnout data to bolster their case, noting that Cuomo received 24,000 more votes last month than Adams did in his 2021 primary win.

But whether Cuomo will launch a serious general election campaign remains unclear. His name will appear on the ballot regardless, thanks to independent line rules, but he has not announced definitive plans.

If both Cuomo and Adams stay in the race, analysts warn the moderate vote could splinter, paving a clear path to City Hall for Mamdani.

Will New York’s centrists swallow their pride and unify—or hand the city over to the far-left? Sound off below.

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