Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running an independent campaign for mayor of New York City, said he would not accept an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
“I have not had a conversation, nor would I accept an endorsement from President Trump,” Cuomo said Thursday in an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press NOW.” “I don’t think we need to inject President Trump into this election.”
Trump has been a harsh critic of front-runner Democrat nominee Zohran Mamdani, calling the self-labeled Democratic Socialist a communist, and has spoken openly of his hopes the race will become a one-on-one contest between Cuomo and Mamdani. Trump has said he would end federal funding to New York if Mamdani is elected.
Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa has refused calls to exit the race.
Cuomo said he would welcome an endorsement from Mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race Sunday, ending his bid for a second term.
“I would welcome his support. You know, this is a general election. It’s Democrats, Republicans, independents,” Cuomo said, noting he worked with Adams when he was governor.
“I would welcome the mayor’s support. I’d welcome big-tent support.”
Cuomo, who was defeated by Mamdani in the Democrat primary, said he has enough time to make his case to New York voters and defeat the front-runner.
It’s a “very stark choice between me and Mr. Mamdani,” Cuomo said. “You know, it’s apples and oranges.
“We couldn’t be more different. I’m a mainstream Democrat. He’s a fringe Democrat.”
The former governor said Mamdani’s policies show the “dumbing down of politics.”
“You can say whatever you want and … fact doesn’t matter,” Cuomo said.
“Freeze the rent. Boy, sounds great: Great slogan, great TikTok, great tweet.
“What he’s talking about is freezing the rent on about 25% of the housing units in New York City, leaving 75% to absorb the increase that the 25% would have paid,” he said.
Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 after facing allegations of sexual harassment, said he had no regrets about his time as governor.
“In general, have I learned to be more careful, frankly? Just don’t put yourself in a situation where anyone can say anything, where you always have a witness? Certainly,” Cuomo said.
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