A surprising political alliance is brewing in New York City as a prominent Republican figure is throwing his weight behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race. Representative Nick Langworthy, a key player in the New York Republican Party, is actively backing Cuomo’s independent bid, a move designed to prevent a victory for Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
Langworthy frames the decision as a pragmatic one, stating that Cuomo represents the only viable alternative to Mamdani. Despite past political battles and fundamental disagreements with the former governor, he believes Cuomo possesses the experience and capability to lead the city effectively. The situation is described as fluid, with recent polling suggesting a close race.
The core of Langworthy’s concern centers on what he describes as the threat of “communism” taking hold in New York City. He argues that Mamdani’s policies, aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, would lack the necessary checks and balances for responsible governance. This stark warning underscores the high stakes of the election.
This isn’t an isolated endorsement. Several other New York Republicans are publicly supporting Cuomo in the final stretch before Election Day. Early voting has already begun, but Mamdani remains the frontrunner in the traditionally Democratic stronghold. The race features a complex dynamic with Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, also vying for votes.
The presence of both Cuomo and Sliwa in the race has raised concerns that they could split the independent and Republican vote, potentially handing victory to Mamdani. Langworthy subtly questions Sliwa’s motivations, asking whether his candidacy is a serious attempt to win or a personal endeavor.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis, the only House Republican representing New York City, echoes the sentiment that anyone but Mamdani would be preferable. She highlights Mamdani’s lack of experience, pointing to his background outside of traditional political roles and questioning his ability to handle a crisis.
However, not all Republicans share the same optimism. Representative Andrew Garbarino acknowledges the likelihood of a Mamdani victory, citing the Democratic Party’s advantages within the city’s electoral system. He points to the discrepancy in voting methods – ranked choice in the primary versus a standard vote in the general election – as a potential disadvantage for Republican candidates.
Despite the skepticism, the Republican push for Cuomo reveals a deep-seated anxiety about the direction of New York City. The election, scheduled for November 4th, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment, with the future of the city hanging in the balance. The unusual alliance underscores the intensity of the political battle.
