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Should Eric Adams or Andrew Cuomo drop out of the NYC Mayor's race? [1]

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Date: 2025-07-14

The New York City mayor’s race has taken an unpredictable turn. After a stunning primary upset, Queens Assembly member and self-described Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani clinched the Democratic nomination, defeating political heavyweight Andrew Cuomo by double digits and leaving the Democrat establishment scrambling. Mamdani’s grassroots campaign, built on a platform of affordable housing, free public transit, and economic justice, galvanized a wide coalition and drew over half a million votes, which was the most for any Democratic primary candidate in more than three decades.

But the general election won’t be a two-way contest. Current mayor, Mayor Eric Adams, who chose not to run in the Democratic primary, is pursuing reelection as an independent. Cuomo is also mounting a general election comeback as an independent after his primary loss. Adams, the former NYPD captain and centrist Democrat, found himself under federal investigation and criticism for what looked like cozying up to the Trump administration for the favor of making his charges go away, will now have additional competition from Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo, once governor and at one point considered untouchable in New York politics, entered the race late but had a massive, seemingly insurmountable lead in early polling thanks to name recognition and institutional support. That was, until Mamdani’s campaign shut everyone down.

Now the Democratic vote is splintered three ways. Mamdani holds the official nomination, while Adams and Cuomo are digging in as independents. Both men argue the other should exit. Adams claims legitimacy as the sitting mayor who never lost an election. Cuomo counters that Adams is “unelectable” and proposes a unity poll in September to determine who has the best chance of beating Mamdani and that the losers should drop out. Meanwhile, the Democratic party establishment-types are behaving like a snake eating its tail in an effort to challenge Mamdani. Business leaders, unions, and Democratic elders like former Governor David Paterson have called on the non-Mamdani candidates to consolidate behind one challenger to prevent a progressive landslide.

Here’s the thing: Adams said from the start that he would run as an independent. Cuomo tried and failed to get the Democratic nomination, then re-entered the race. Both are now accusing each other of selfishness and sabotage. Cuomo insists his poll idea is a fair solution. Adams calls it an arrogant overreach. And all the while, Mamdani continues to gain momentum, with endorsements now flowing from groups and leaders who once backed Cuomo.

So the question is this: Should Cuomo or Adams bow out and support the democratically elected nominee? Or should they both stay in and risk diluting the vote? Is this a moment to defend institutional democracy, or to stop a candidate they see as radical, even if that means undermining the primary process and potentially giving the GOP candidate a bump?

Watch the full discussion

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