Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will remain on the ballot in the November 2025 New York City mayoral election as an independent candidate, despite conceding defeat in the Democratic primary to State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani earlier this week.
A source close to Cuomo’s campaign confirmed to ABC News that he will continue on the “Fight and Deliver” ballot line, an independent nomination he secured back in May. The move keeps Cuomo’s name in the running and opens the door for a possible general election campaign, although it’s unclear whether he will actively campaign ahead of November.
Cuomo Eyes General Election Despite Primary Loss
Cuomo’s independent bid was originally seen as a strategic backup plan. He filed the nominating petition with the New York City Board of Elections as a way to appeal to voters who feel alienated by the Democratic Party’s direction.
Had Cuomo won the Democratic primary, he would have appeared on both the Democratic and independent lines in November. However, with his primary defeat on Tuesday, the “Fight and Deliver” line now stands as his sole path forward.
“Tonight was not our night; tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night… He deserved it. He won,” Cuomo told supporters during his election night speech. “We’re going to take a look and make some decisions.”
According to New York State Board of Elections rules, candidates have until Friday, June 27 to officially withdraw from independent ballot lines. As of Thursday night, sources close to Cuomo indicated that he will not withdraw but is still evaluating whether to pursue an active campaign.
Ranked-Choice Results and Political Strategy
One key factor influencing Cuomo’s decision is that ranked-choice voting (RCV) tabulations from the primary won’t be released until July 1. This means the full extent of his support—particularly from second- and third-choice votes—has yet to be seen.
“We have to look at the landscape in the general election, which is a totally different landscape,” Cuomo told CBS 2 New York. “We’ll take it one step at a time because we haven’t even gotten the full numbers yet.”
Cuomo’s calculus will also likely include how votes are split between other contenders in what is shaping up to be a crowded and highly competitive general election.
The November Field: Independents and a Rematch
With Cuomo now officially staying on the ballot, five candidates will be competing in the November election:
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Zohran Mamdani (Democrat) – Progressive State Assemblymember and primary winner
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Eric Adams (Independent) – Incumbent mayor running outside the Democratic banner
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Andrew Cuomo (Independent) – Former governor seeking political redemption
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Curtis Sliwa (Republican) – Conservative talk show host and Guardian Angels founder
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Jim Walden (Independent) – Civil rights attorney and reform advocate
The inclusion of two former Democrats—Adams and Cuomo—running as independents adds a complex dynamic to the race. Both candidates have name recognition and distinct bases of support, setting the stage for a potentially fractured liberal vote.
Cuomo’s Political Comeback?
Cuomo’s return to the political spotlight comes four years after his resignation as governor in the wake of multiple sexual harassment allegations—allegations he has denied. He has since made public statements expressing regret over stepping down and has tested the waters for a political comeback.
In a recent New York Times interview, Cuomo said he believes his resignation was premature and maintains his innocence.
What Comes Next?
While Cuomo has yet to formally launch a general election campaign, remaining on the ballot gives him time to assess the field, analyze voter sentiment, and possibly mount a late-stage challenge in the fall.
His next moves—and how they affect the strategies of Mamdani, Adams, and other contenders—will be closely watched as New York City approaches one of its most unpredictable mayoral elections in decades.
Stay tuned as this story continues to develop.
Also Read:
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[Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary: What’s Next?]
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[Eric Adams Launches Reelection Bid Amid Rising Competition]
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[Can Curtis Sliwa Break Through in a Crowded NYC Race?]
