Andrew Cuomo plans to run on a second independent “Fight and Deliver” ballot line in the general election for mayor, regardless of whether he wins the Democratic primary.
“It’s an insurance policy,” a source close to the former governor’s campaign said.
A second ballot line would help Cuomo win more votes if he wins the nomination in the June 24 primary and the left-wing Working Families Party runs a rival Democrat — Zohran Mamdani or Brad Lander — splintering the Democratic vote.
If Mamdani wins the Dem nomination, Cuomo could try to win as an independent candidate, just as incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is attempting to do.
“This November, in addition to securing the Democratic nomination, my campaign will work to build the largest possible coalition and secure the biggest possible mandate,” Cuomo said in a statement Tuesday.
“We will be responsive to those who want to support my candidacy, but who would like an alternate way to do it, by starting the Fight and Deliver Party to appeal to disillusioned Democrats, as well as to independents and Republicans,” he said.
“It’s a smart move,” the source said.
The Cuomo backer said Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa is going to get at least 30% of the vote, and Adams could get at least 10% as an independent candidate.
Cuomo’s rivals threw brickbats at his bid to run on a separate ballot line in the general election.
“Andrew Cuomo is scared. After entering this race with 100% name recognition, he’s run a sloppy and secretive campaign, using ChatGPT to generate fake policy proposals, failing to qualify for matching funds because he can’t follow instructions, and spending most of each week hiding from the press and the public,” said Mamdani, the state Assembly member from Queens and democratic socialist currently polling second behind Cuomo in the primary.
“The MAGA billionaires propping up his sinking effort know his real record: attacking unions, defunding hospitals and public transit, and empowering Republicans in Albany. That’s why they support him. Cuomo is a Democrat in name only, and after the June primary, he won’t even be that,” he said.
Adams, who is foregoing the primary to run on his own independent ballot lines (“EndAntiSemitism” and “Safe&Affordable”) in the general election, also took a swipe at Cuomo.
“Isn’t it strange now that Andrew wants an independent line,” he quipped.
“It doesn’t even seem like he’s running… he’s just going through the motions. Going to churches and tweeting it out.”
Attorney Jim Walden is also running as an independent candidate.
— Additional reporting by Craig McCarthy
