By: Carl Schwartzbaum

In a surprising turn that has drawn sharp scrutiny from political insiders and media alike, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared to embrace the rhetoric of his socialist rival, Zohran Mamdani, as he relaunched his mayoral campaign—this time with an unexpected message aimed squarely at New York’s billionaire class.

According to a report that appeared on Wednesday in The New York Post, Cuomo’s latest remarks came during an interview with New York Magazine, where he suggested that Mamdani’s far-left positions on economic equity carried authentic appeal among voters. More notably, Cuomo echoed Mamdani’s anti-billionaire sentiments, declaring, “Which, yeah, I’m anti-billionaire. They have too much money. Make them give it back, especially when we’re having an affordability crisis.”

The statement sent shockwaves through political and business circles, given Cuomo’s long-standing record of defending the state’s wealthiest residents against progressive tax proposals. The New York Post report noted that Cuomo’s words immediately triggered a wave of damage control from his longtime spokesman, Rich Azzopardi, who insisted the comments were being taken out of context.

“That’s a silly manipulation of the Governor’s words: he was clearly explaining and mimicking Mamdani’s campaign message and how it resonated with his supporters,” Azzopardi claimed in a statement quoted by The New York Post. “That’s not his position at all and both the context of the conversation makes that clear.”

However, even the journalist who conducted the interview, David Freedlander, seemed unconvinced. As The New York Post report observed, Freedlander posted Cuomo’s “I’m anti-billionaire” quote on X (formerly Twitter), underscoring Cuomo’s apparent pivot and writing, “Andrew Cuomo is back, and makes his pitch for Mamdani voters.”

The episode highlights a striking departure from Cuomo’s gubernatorial tenure. In 2019, Cuomo vehemently opposed his fellow Democrats’ efforts to impose a so-called “millionaire’s tax,” warning that such measures would drive the wealthy out of New York. At the time, he famously remarked that if taxes on millionaires increased, the state would soon be able to “count on one hand the number of millionaires left.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuomo pleaded with wealthy residents to remain in the city, resisting calls from progressive leaders to hike taxes on the rich—despite dire fiscal needs facing New York State. His opposition to higher taxes on top earners even extended to thwarting former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s 2013 campaign pledge to fund universal pre-kindergarten with new taxes on the city’s highest earners.

Now, as The New York Post reported, Cuomo’s attempt to reinvent himself with a more populist message seems aimed at clawing back political relevance after a stunning defeat in the June mayoral primary at the hands of Mamdani. The progressive lawmaker, known for championing increased taxes on the wealthy to fund initiatives like free public transit and childcare, secured a decisive victory that left New York’s business elite reeling—and Cuomo’s campaign in disarray.

The aftermath of Cuomo’s primary loss has been marked by an exodus of high-profile supporters from his donor base. Many of the city’s business leaders, disillusioned by what the paper described as Cuomo’s “uninspiring and lazy campaign,” have begun to withdraw their backing. Some are reconsidering their options, with some weighing support for Mayor Eric Adams, who—like Cuomo—is seeking reelection as an independent and positioning himself as a moderate alternative to the left-wing surge.

Political strategists cited by The New York Post warned that Cuomo’s newfound embrace of progressive themes might backfire. Chris Sosa, a noted political operative, told the paper that Cuomo’s issues with voters transcend policy shifts. “The main problem for Cuomo with voters has less to do with political ideology than with character,” Sosa said. “He’s widely viewed as a sociopathic bully and a predator. No amount of workshopping yet another political identity is going to change that. If anything, he’s reinforcing the existing perception.”

Despite these challenges, Cuomo officially announced on Monday that he intends to remain in the race for the November general election. In his interview with New York Magazine, he expressed agreement with several of Mamdani’s policy goals, particularly in the area of affordable housing. However, Cuomo sought to differentiate his approach by characterizing Mamdani’s proposals as simplistic and unworkable.

“So actually my plan is going to be responsible, doable,” Cuomo stated, according to The New York Post. “It’s not going to rely on something I know I can never get passed. But his was very simply communicated. Mine was a paragraph. Housing is complicated, and I can’t say it in three words.”

Cuomo’s latest comments mirror a broader pattern of recalibration within his political career. Once a staunch defender of centrist Democratic policies, Cuomo now appears to be courting the very progressive voters who helped fuel his primary defeat—though at the apparent cost of alienating his former allies in New York’s powerful business community.

Cuomo’s political comeback bid is further complicated by the shadow of his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations—an event that has left deep scars on his public image. Despite numerous attempts at public rehabilitation, Cuomo continues to face skepticism not just from progressives, but also from centrists and moderates wary of his checkered record.

In the wake of Mamdani’s upset victory, The New York Post report observed that the city’s political landscape has shifted, with progressive leaders emboldened and moderates scrambling to redefine their platforms. Cuomo’s sudden embrace of anti-billionaire rhetoric may be a calculated effort to reposition himself within this volatile environment, yet its effectiveness remains highly uncertain.

Meanwhile, Mayor Adams, viewed by many as a centrist foil to Mamdani’s progressive agenda, continues to court business leaders and moderate voters disillusioned with both Cuomo and the ascendant socialist wing of the Democratic Party, as was reported by The New York Post. Adams and Cuomo, both running as independents, have presented themselves as bulwarks against radical economic policies—though Cuomo’s recent remarks may undermine that narrative.

Cuomo’s evolving campaign strategy raises serious questions about his political future. Whether his latest pivot will help him regain traction in a crowded and contentious race—or simply further erode his credibility—remains an open question as New York City’s electoral season heats up.