Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says his work isn’t done, sparking comeback speculations.
“This campaign may be over, but our work is not. I’m not going anywhere. I will continue to stand up against hate in all its forms, to speak out against antisemitism, to fight for public safety and opportunity, and to champion unity when division seems easier. That’s who l am. And that’s who we are together,” Mr. Cuomo said in a letter to his mayoral campaign’s donors, first reported by the New York Post.
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race in the nation’s largest city, defeating Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa this month.
Mr. Mamdani secured 50.4% of the vote versus Mr. Cuomo’s 41.6%.
Since his loss, many believe Mr. Cuomo may be hinting at running for governor or Congress.
But in July, Mr. Cuomo said that if Mr. Mamdani won, he would leave New York.
“We either win or even I will move to Florida. God forbid,” he said.
A spokesperson for Mr. Cuomo said the comment was just humorous.
The Cuomo family has been a New York fixture, with Andrew following his father, Mario Cuomo, to the governor’s mansion in Albany.
“We have toppled a political dynasty,” Mr. Mamdani said in his victory speech. “I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life, but let tonight be the final time I utter his name as we turn the page on a politics that abandons the many and answers only to the few.”
In his donor letter, Mr. Cuomo said he wishes the incoming administration success: “As I said on election night, I will help in any way I can. But success will require listening to all New Yorkers, not just some — and remembering that you cannot govern this city effectively if you are not committed to bringing people together.”
Mr. Cuomo, 67, kick-started his political career in the 1990s after joining the Clinton administration as housing secretary. He became New York’s attorney general before his governorship.
In 2021, he officially resigned as governor amid sexual harassment allegations and an impeachment inquiry. Mr. Cuomo has continued to maintain he did nothing wrong.
“New Yorkers are resilient, tough and endlessly hopeful. We’ve been through hard times before, and we’ve come back stronger each time. If we stay engaged, stay connected and keep fighting for the city we love, l promise you: New York’s best days are still ahead,” he said in his letter.
