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In a surprising development in the race for New York City mayor, Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, is receiving unexpected support from allies of Rudy Giuliani. As Cuomo positions himself as an independent candidate, key figures from Giuliani’s circle have rallied behind him, indicating a notable shift in political alliances.
This endorsement is particularly significant given the current dynamics of the race, where Cuomo faces self-identified Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. The endorsements from Giuliani’s camp suggest a strategic effort to consolidate votes against Mamdani, who is currently leading in the polls.
Key endorsements and their implications
Joe Lhota, a prominent figure in Giuliani’s administration and the GOP’s 2013 mayoral candidate, has publicly declared his support for Cuomo. Lhota, who previously served as the chairman of the MTA under Cuomo before switching his party affiliation to Democrat, explained his decision in stark terms, comparing the choices available to New Yorkers.
“It’s a choice between a proven manager, a socialist, and a fruit loop,” Lhota stated, underscoring his belief that Cuomo represents the most competent option for the city’s leadership.
Concerns over the opposition
Further reinforcing Lhota’s perspective, Anthony Carbonetti, who was Giuliani’s chief of staff and a senior adviser during his presidential campaign, expressed deep reservations about Sliwa’s viability as a candidate.
While acknowledging Sliwa as a “great New Yorker,” he argued that the numbers do not favor Sliwa, cautioning that he might inadvertently serve as a spoiler in the election.
Carbonetti voiced concerns over Mamdani’s proposals, particularly criticizing the idea of fare-free public transportation, which he labeled as a potential means of transforming buses into “mobile homeless shelters.” This reasoning highlights apprehension among some conservatives regarding the fiscal responsibility of a city budget that exceeds $116 billion.
Political landscape shifts
The political landscape is further complicated by the recent announcement from current Mayor Eric Adams, who shocked many by deciding not to seek re-election. This unexpected decision has left a vacuum in the leadership race that candidates like Cuomo are eager to fill.
Moreover, former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, who served under President George W. Bush and has longstanding ties to Giuliani, has also come out in favor of Cuomo. In an op-ed for the Staten Island Advance, Mukasey articulated his fears regarding Mamdani’s potential election, suggesting that it could lead to “irreversible damage” for the city.
Challenges faced by Curtis Sliwa
Despite the backing from some former Giuliani associates, Sliwa’s campaign has not garnered the same level of enthusiasm. President Donald Trump, speaking on Fox & Friends, dismissed Sliwa’s chances, stating, “Look, I’m a Republican, but Curtis is not exactly prime time.” This comment further illustrates the challenges Sliwa faces in consolidating Republican support.
Critics of the endorsements have pointed out that figures like Lhota, who has identified as a Democrat since 2016 and previously worked for Cuomo, may not be the most reliable allies for Sliwa. Rob Cole, an adviser to Sliwa, remarked, “Joe Lhota has been a Democrat since 2016. He worked for Andrew Cuomo. Big deal.” This statement encapsulates the skepticism surrounding the motivations of Cuomo’s newfound supporters.
Current polling and potential outcomes
This endorsement is particularly significant given the current dynamics of the race, where Cuomo faces self-identified Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. The endorsements from Giuliani’s camp suggest a strategic effort to consolidate votes against Mamdani, who is currently leading in the polls.0
This endorsement is particularly significant given the current dynamics of the race, where Cuomo faces self-identified Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. The endorsements from Giuliani’s camp suggest a strategic effort to consolidate votes against Mamdani, who is currently leading in the polls.1
