Cuomo to run as independent for NYC mayor, proposes unity pledge with Adams, Sliwa to block Mamdani

Andrew Cuomo is expected to stay in the New York City mayoral race as an independent and will propose a pledge that could reshape the field. The former governor plans to ask all candidates—except Zohran Mamdani—to agree that whoever is not leading in polls by mid-September will drop out of the race. Cuomo says he would include himself in the agreement.

The proposal would avoid splitting the vote among Mamdani’s challengers and help the odds of defeating the Socialist candidate in the general election.

Cuomo’s move comes a few weeks after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary.

“Our city is in crisis. That’s why I am running to be Mayor of New York City. We need government to work. We need effective leadership,” Cuomo said, according to Newsnation.

Mayor Eric Adams and former federal prosecutor Jim Walden are also running as independents. Walden said he welcomed Cuomo’s move. “I am glad Andrew has agreed to adopt my pledge,” Walden told NewsNation. “I hope Eric and Curtis sign on as well. Putting New York’s best interests over our personal ambitions is critical at this moment.”

Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, who has no plans to exit the race, criticized Cuomo and Adams. “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,” Sliwa said. “I’m the only candidate with a major party nomination, a 50-year record of serving New Yorkers and a real path to victory,” he added. “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.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m in it until November 4," he said.

The general election is scheduled for November 4, 2025.