Andrew Cuomo may not be officially running for New York City mayor—yet—but his shadow looms large over the race. According to a new poll from Scott Stringer’s campaign, Cuomo would dominate the Democratic primary if he entered, earning a commanding 33% of the vote. That’s more than double the support of his closest rival, Stringer, who polled at 13%. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams managed only 11%, with Queens state Senator Jessica Ramos and City Comptroller Brad Lander trailing behind.
This is the second poll in three days showing Cuomo as the frontrunner, underscoring his near-universal name recognition. Having been a fixture in New York politics for decades alongside his father, former Governor Mario Cuomo, he remains a household name despite the scandals that forced his resignation in 2021. Democrats may bristle at the thought, but it seems the Cuomo name still holds sway among the party’s voters.
That said, Cuomo’s potential rivals aren’t political nobodies. Adams is the current mayor, Stringer is a longtime public servant, and Lander is the sitting comptroller. Yet none of them can seem to crack the Cuomo factor, which is both a testament to his enduring appeal and a sign of the party’s inability to move beyond its most recognizable figures.
Fundraising numbers reveal a crowded race with varying levels of enthusiasm. Adams, hampered by corruption allegations and low approval ratings, has raised $250,000 in recent weeks. Stringer brought in just under $200,000, while Lander’s $218,299 barely keeps him in the game. By contrast, outsider candidates like Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Zellnor Myrie have energized grassroots donors, pulling in hundreds of thousands and qualifying for significant public matching funds.
Cuomo, of course, carries his own baggage. His resignation amid sexual misconduct allegations—charges he denies—was a major blow to his political career. Yet, even in the face of controversy, he continues to draw support from key Democratic constituencies, particularly black voters, who could make or break this race.
Democrats have a knack for recycling candidates with scandal-laden résumés, and Cuomo’s polling dominance is a perfect example. Meanwhile, Eric Adams is fighting off federal corruption charges, and Scott Stringer is attempting a comeback after his previous mayoral bid collapsed under similar accusations. If this is the best the Democratic Party has to offer, it’s no wonder voters are disillusioned.
The real story here isn’t just Cuomo’s polling strength—it’s the lack of fresh ideas and credible leadership in the Democratic field. While they bicker over scandals and fundraising, New Yorkers are left wondering who will actually fix the city’s problems. The race for mayor might be heating up, but the Democrats’ inability to produce a compelling candidate is as cold as ever.
