Michael Bloomberg backs Andrew Cuomo in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary, countering rising progressive support.

Bloomberg Enters the Race with Strong Endorsement

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the city’s high-stakes Democratic mayoral primary. With just weeks remaining before the June 24 primary and early voting set to begin June 14, Bloomberg’s support signals a significant shift in the momentum of the race.

In a public statement Tuesday, Bloomberg cited Cuomo’s extensive government experience and management skills as reasons for his endorsement. “There is one candidate whose management experience and government know-how stand above the others: Andrew Cuomo,” Bloomberg said. He acknowledged political “differences” between them in past years but emphasized Cuomo’s capability to lead New York through its current challenges.

Bloomberg’s backing followed a private meeting Monday with Cuomo at Bloomberg Media’s New York offices, where Cuomo recorded a radio segment. The two, both former three-term executives with complex political histories, found common ground as moderates with a focus on stability and leadership over ideological division.

Cuomo, responding to the endorsement, described Bloomberg as New York City’s “preeminent statesman.” He praised Bloomberg’s leadership during the aftermath of 9/11, crediting him with rebuilding both the city’s infrastructure and spirit. Cuomo’s campaign, launched March 1, is a bid for political redemption after his 2021 resignation from the governorship amid multiple scandals.

Cuomo Faces Rising Progressive Challenger

Cuomo’s campaign has faced a surge in progressive opposition, most notably from state Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. The 33-year-old Queens representative and democratic socialist has gained traction among left-leaning voters, particularly after receiving an endorsement from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez last week.

Mamdani’s rise in recent polls has turned him into the leading progressive alternative to Cuomo. Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement was seen as a strategic move to consolidate the fractured progressive vote and present a unified front against Cuomo’s bid to return to power. Mamdani’s candidacy represents a broader ideological shift within the city’s Democratic base, highlighting tensions between establishment moderates and grassroots activists.

Cuomo, despite facing a criminal investigation initiated last month over his handling of COVID-19 nursing home data, remains a leading figure in the race due to his widespread name recognition and deep ties to New York politics. He has consistently topped polls even before announcing his campaign.

Bloomberg, who has long expressed skepticism toward the Democratic Party’s left wing, appears to share Cuomo’s concerns about the direction of the party. His endorsement reinforces the narrative of experienced, centrist governance versus insurgent progressive activism in the Democratic primary.

As the race intensifies, all eyes turn to early voting and whether Bloomberg’s support will bolster Cuomo’s chances or further galvanize progressive turnout. With just days before ballots are cast, the future leadership of the nation’s largest city hangs in the balance.