Former Giuliani Allies Rally Behind Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Race

In a surprising turn of events, several prominent figures from Rudy Giuliani‘s administration are throwing their support behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming New York City mayoral election. This endorsement comes as a significant shift in the political landscape, particularly as Cuomo, running as an independent, faces off against Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani.

A Shift in Political Alliances

Joe Lhota, who was the Republican candidate for mayor in 2013 and served as a deputy mayor under Giuliani, has publicly declared his support for Cuomo. Lhota, who previously held the position of chief of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) under Cuomo, stated, “It’s a choice between a proven manager, a socialist, and a fruit loop.” His endorsement is particularly noteworthy given his recent switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party.

Lhota’s comments reflect a growing concern among some Republicans about the potential implications of a Mamdani victory. “Of course I’m going to be with Andrew,” he added, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Anthony Carbonetti, another key figure from Giuliani’s administration who served as his chief of staff, echoed Lhota’s sentiments. Carbonetti, who previously supported Sliwa in the last election, has now shifted his allegiance to Cuomo, citing the need to prevent a socialist from taking control of the city’s substantial budget. “Curtis is a great New Yorker. But the numbers aren’t there for him to win,” Carbonetti remarked, indicating that Sliwa’s chances of success are slim.

The Stakes of the Election

The stakes are particularly high in this election cycle, especially with Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, leading the polls. Carbonetti expressed his concerns about Mamdani’s proposed policies, including a fare-free bus program, which he believes could lead to unintended consequences. “I don’t want a socialist in charge of a $116 billion city budget,” he stated, highlighting the fears many have regarding fiscal responsibility under a socialist administration.

Former U.S. Attorney General Mike Mukasey, who served under President George W. Bush and has long been associated with Giuliani, also endorsed Cuomo in a recent op-ed. Mukasey, a lifelong Republican, emphasized the need for Republicans to prioritize the city’s stability over party loyalty. “The first rule for Republicans must be that our city should not be put at risk of irreversible damage, which it would be if Mamdani is elected,” he wrote, reinforcing the notion that Cuomo may be the most viable alternative to the Democratic nominee.

Trump’s Take on the Race

Adding another layer to the political drama, former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Sliwa, suggesting that Cuomo might have a better chance against Mamdani. “Look, I’m a Republican, but Curtis is not exactly prime time,” Trump remarked during a recent appearance on “Fox & Friends.” His comments reflect a broader discontent within the Republican Party regarding Sliwa’s candidacy.

Sliwa’s Response

In response to the endorsements for Cuomo from Giuliani’s former aides, Sliwa’s campaign has dismissed their significance. Rob Cole, a senior adviser to Sliwa, pointed out Lhota’s party switch and his previous work for Cuomo as reasons to question the validity of their support. “Joe Lhota has been a Democrat since 2016. He worked for Andrew Cuomo,” Cole stated, downplaying the impact of these endorsements.

Polling Landscape

Recent polling data indicates that Mamdani holds a substantial lead over Cuomo, with a margin of approximately 20 points. However, Mamdani has not yet secured a majority, garnering less than 50% of the vote. This uncertainty leaves the door open for Cuomo to potentially siphon votes from Sliwa, which could alter the dynamics of the race.

The political landscape in New York City is evolving rapidly, and the endorsements from Giuliani’s former allies signal a significant shift in strategy as the election approaches. With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for all candidates involved.

Conclusion

As the New York City mayoral race heats up, the unexpected support for Andrew Cuomo from former Giuliani aides underscores the complexities of political alliances and voter sentiment. With the election just around the corner, the dynamics between Cuomo, Sliwa, and Mamdani will continue to unfold, shaping the future of one of America’s largest cities. The endorsements reflect a broader concern among some Republicans about the implications of a socialist administration, highlighting the ongoing struggle for control in a city that has long been a political battleground.