Andrew Cuomo Courts Al Sharpton in Mayoral Race
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently connected with Rev. Al Sharpton over breakfast at the Regency Hotel. This meeting comes at a time when Cuomo is exploring his chances in the current mayoral race, especially with growing speculation about current Mayor Eric Adams potentially exiting the race.
During their breakfast, Cuomo asked Sharpton to keep an “open mind” regarding support for him, particularly if the race boils down to one candidate versus another. That other candidate may be socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani, a figure Sharpton admitted to being impressed with.
“I’ve known Andrew for 40 years,” Sharpton stated, referencing his long history with Cuomo and his father, the late Mario Cuomo. Despite his admiration for Mamdani, Sharpton’s relationship with Andrew runs deep, making his eventual endorsement a point of interest.
Sharpton has previously urged Cuomo to reconsider his campaign after Mamdani’s decisive win over him in the Democratic primary last June. The influential civil rights activist highlighted that the African American vote could be crucial in this election cycle, especially if Cuomo aims to solidify his support against Mamdani.
“I don’t endorse candidates, but I take attendance,” Sharpton remarked last week, emphasizing the importance of presence at community events. His stance has made it clear that nothing is guaranteed for Cuomo without significant outreach to the communities that matter.
Cuomo’s spokesperson noted that their meeting was an opportunity to discuss pressing issues affecting the city and the wider state. Reflecting on their long-standing partnership, Rich Azzopardi said Cuomo and Sharpton have been allies in the fight for justice over the years.
Cuomo shared a photo from the meeting on social media, captioning it, “Great breakfast catching up with my old friend, Al.” This move was seen as an attempt to galvanize some momentum and attract the much-needed endorsement that could influence the election’s outcome.
Political analysts suggest that Cuomo’s meeting with Sharpton signals genuine concern within his camp about Mamdani’s rising popularity. Democratic Consultant Chris Sosa pointed out that party leaders are increasingly rallying behind Mamdani, leaving Cuomo in a precarious position.
“While I’d be surprised to see an endorsement materialize against the Democratic nominee, the electoral math remains the math,” Sosa remarked, highlighting the uphill battle Cuomo faces.
Adding to the scrutiny, another Democratic operative quipped about Cuomo’s typical approach of securing financial backing and then courting the Black vote followed by union endorsements.
As the race evolves, it will be crucial for Cuomo to not only mend relations but also broaden his appeal to various voter demographics if he hopes to mount a successful campaign. With significant challenges ahead, the coming weeks will be pivotal for Cuomo and his ambitions in the city’s political landscape.
Cuomo’s efforts to collate support, particularly from influential figures like Sharpton, underline the competitive nature of the current race. The dialogue between Cuomo and Sharpton reflects ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party, showcasing the challenges faced by established politicians in an age where new voices are gaining traction.
As the election draws nearer, this intriguing dynamic will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of both candidates and the overall political climate in New York City. Whether or not Cuomo can pivot his campaign effectively remains to be seen, but his breakfast meeting with Sharpton certainly indicates he is willing to try and strive for every possible advantage.
