The day before the election, President Donald Trump gave a strong endorsement to former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the race for mayor of New York City. On Monday, Trump told New Yorkers on Truth Social to vote for Cuomo despite their own opinions. He stressed Cuomo’s ability and a “Record of Success.” Trump compared Cuomo to Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee. He said that Mamdani “is not” capable of leading.
Trump’s support for Cuomo, who used to be a Democrat, may turn off Cuomo’s usual supporters. However, it will appeal to Republican voters in the heavily Democratic city. Mamdani, who won an unexpected upset in the Democratic primary earlier this year, has always linked Cuomo to Trump. He positioned himself as a candidate ready to take on the powers that be in New York and Washington.
Cuomo downplayed Trump’s endorsement, clarifying, “He’s not endorsing me. He is against Mamdani.” Trump, who is from Queens, has often attacked Mamdani. He called him a communist without proof and threatened to cut federal funding to the city if Mamdani wins, except for the minimum amount required by law.
Facing the Trump endorsement, Mamdani told CNN that Trump’s support illustrates how threatened the president is by his campaign. Mamdani said on CNN’s OutFront, “We’ve figured out what’s wrong with the lives of working-class New Yorkers and the cost of living. Unlike Trump, we will give real solutions.”
Trump also told voters not to support Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate. He said that a vote for Sliwa is really a vote for Mamdani. Adding to Cuomo’s endorsements, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk joined Trump in backing Cuomo ahead of the election.
The race for mayor of New York City is still very close. Polls show Mamdani ahead of Cuomo by more than ten points going into Tuesday’s vote.
