Chris Cuomo, the former CNN host, recently expressed his disappointment with the Democratic Party following the surprising victory of Zohran Mamdani over his brother, Andrew Cuomo, in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. Mamdani, a state assemblyman known for his socialist views, defeated Andrew Cuomo, who previously served as New York’s governor for three terms before resigning in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations.
On his NewsNation program, Chris Cuomo thanked viewers for their support of his brother but clarified that he chose not to comment on the election due to his personal feelings. He emphasized that he loves and supports Andrew and is not worried about his future.
Chris Cuomo noted that he wasn’t shocked by the election results. He pointed out that low voter turnout often favors more extreme candidates. He criticized the Democratic Party’s structure, suggesting that it tends to amplify the voices of radical candidates. He argued that Andrew Cuomo’s campaign was not well-received by the party establishment, despite his claims to the contrary.
Mamdani, 33, ran a campaign focused on progressive issues, including defunding the police and expanding rent control. He has also faced scrutiny for his controversial statements regarding Israel and his past music that expressed support for groups linked to Hamas.
Following the election, Chris Cuomo took a strong stance against the Democratic Party, declaring it "dead" in its current form. He likened the current political climate to the "MAGA mode" of the Republican Party, suggesting that both sides are now characterized by extremism. He expressed concern about the rise of fundamentalism on both sides of the political spectrum.
In light of his defeat, Andrew Cuomo has not confirmed whether he will run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election. If he does, the race will include Mamdani, current Mayor Eric Adams (who is also running as an independent), Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Jim Walden.
As the political landscape evolves, the implications of this primary could be significant for the future of both the Democratic Party and New York City’s leadership.