In a New York Times interview published Tuesday, former Governor Andrew Cuomo refused to name a living Democrat he admires, saying, "Admire? None comes to mind." The thrice-elected Democrat is running for New York City mayor as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to left-leaning challenger Zohran Mamdani.
Cuomo listed three deceased Democrats as role models: his father, Mario Cuomo, and former presidents John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. When pressed to name a living Democrat he respects, he cited Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as doing a good job managing his state and California Governor Gavin Newsom as doing the best he can, while adding that "The Democratic Party is not meeting the moment. I think the Democratic Party has created the moment." The Times noted that Cuomo is not offering a sweeping endorsement of the party so much as pointing to individuals he believes are handling specific tasks.
<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/2025-former-new-york-governor-110889959.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1024" alt="Former New York governor Cuomo" />The article also recounts Cuomo's earlier stance in the mayoral race. During a June debate, he answered that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was the most effective Democrat in the country, a reflection of his personal assessment rather than a broad party endorsement. A spokesperson for Cuomo's campaign later explained to The Post that the former governor distinguishes between admiration and a belief that someone is doing a good job.
Reaction to Cuomo's remarks was swift online. On Reddit, commenters mocked the response, with one user writing, "At least he didn't name himself," and another adding, "He still thinks he has a path to President and didn't want to hype a competitor lol." Others suggested the comments reflected ego rather than principled stance.
The Times interview also highlighted Cuomo's political trajectory and the context of his current bid. He is seeking the city's top job as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani, a progressive challenger. The Post reported that his campaign views a distinction between whom he admires and whom he thinks is doing a good job.
<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/robert-kennedy-john-f-kennedy-111604731.jpg?w=1024" alt="Kennedy brothers" />The article underscores a broader dynamic in contemporary Democratic politics: a party grappling with internal divisions and competing narratives about leadership and achievement. As Cuomo positions himself for a municipal role outside the party apparatus, critics will parse which figures he elevates and why, and how that stance aligns with the ongoing debates within the Democratic coalition. The Times report notes Cuomo's comment that the party, at this moment, is not meeting the nation's needs, a claim that will likely fuel both interest in his mayoral bid and scrutiny of his past and present political judgments.