Andrew Cuomo rejects AOC’s suggestion he’s running for NYC mayor to launch a presidential campaign.

Cuomo’s Camp Responds to Presidential Ambition Accusations

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s team has forcefully rejected claims made by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that he is pursuing the New York City mayoralty merely as a stepping stone to the White House. Cuomo, a leading moderate in a crowded field for the city’s top job, has found himself at the center of a high-profile political feud as the race for Gracie Mansion intensifies.

Ocasio-Cortez, known for her influence on the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, is supporting socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Astoria. Mamdani’s platform includes ambitious proposals such as city-owned grocery stores, a rent freeze, free public transit, and a $30 minimum wage. Despite his momentum on the left, the New York Times editorial board cautioned against ranking Mamdani, noting that while his campaign has energy and appeal, his platform may not suit the city’s practical challenges.

At a recent campaign event, Ocasio-Cortez alleged that Cuomo has made it clear he wants to run for president, and she criticized what she called a “gerontocracy”—referring to the prevalence of older politicians—saying it would be “unconscionable” to elect the 67-year-old Cuomo as mayor. She continues to push for new, younger leadership within the Democratic Party.

Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, dismissed these assertions, stating, “I have no idea where the far left got this silly new talking point. But, the governor has said that—death aside—he’ll be finishing his own term.” Cuomo himself has indicated he intends to be a national figure if elected mayor but has not explicitly stated plans to succeed President Donald Trump in 2028.

Mayoral Race Highlights Party Divisions

As the ranked-choice election approaches, several of Cuomo’s challengers, including former State Assemblyman Michael Blake, Comptroller Bradford Lander, and Mamdani, have cross-endorsed each other in an effort to consolidate progressive votes. This strategy allows voters to rank their preferences and potentially strengthen the left’s influence in the mayoral contest. Cuomo’s camp, however, met the cross-endorsement with indifference, quipping that some candidates are polling at zero percent.

On the Republican side, Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, stands largely unopposed in the ranked-choice system, positioning himself as the clear alternative for conservative voters.

The contentious mayoral contest not only reflects a broader ideological struggle within the Democratic Party but also underscores the city’s pivotal role in shaping national political debates. As candidates vie for support, the outcome will likely influence the direction of both local and national Democratic strategies in the years ahead.