Andrew cuomo NYC election update: Mamdani photo controversy,Where is now,Net worth

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is once again at the center of the political spotlight — this time as a candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral race. After resigning as governor in 2021 amid scandal, Cuomo’s political comeback is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic returns in recent American politics. The race has been dominated by a clash between Cuomo and his main opponent, Zohran Mamdani, alongside Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Beyond the campaign trail, controversy has emerged over Mamdani’s past photos with controversial figures — a storm Cuomo’s campaign has been quick to seize upon. This article explores the latest updates on Cuomo’s mayoral run, the Mamdani photo controversy, where Cuomo stands today, and an updated look at his personal finances and net worth in 2025.

1. The 2025 NYC Mayoral Race: Setting the Stage

A. The comeback of Andrew Cuomo

Andrew Cuomo served as Governor of New York from 2011 to 2021, resigning amid sexual harassment allegations and criticism over his handling of COVID-19 nursing home data. After several years of political quiet, Cuomo announced in mid-2025 that he would run for Mayor of New York City, marking his first attempt to return to elected office.

Cuomo is running under a newly formed independent ballot line called “Fight and Deliver”, a slogan drawn from his past political style. His entry into the race shook the city’s political establishment, dividing moderates and progressives while reigniting long-standing debates about leadership, accountability, and experience in public service.

B. The key opponents

The main Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani, represents the city’s progressive wing. A young state assemblyman from Queens, Mamdani has built his campaign around housing affordability, economic justice, and policing reform.

Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee and Guardian Angels founder, rounds out the major contenders. While his appeal is limited in a heavily Democratic city, Sliwa’s presence could split votes among moderate and conservative New Yorkers — potentially benefiting Mamdani.

C. Why this election matters

The New York City mayoralty is one of the most influential local offices in the United States. The winner governs a city of over 8 million residents, with a budget larger than most states. The 2025 race is widely viewed as a referendum on the direction of post-pandemic New York: whether voters prefer a return to establishment pragmatism under Cuomo or a bold progressive vision under Mamdani.

2. The Mamdani Photo Controversy

A. How the controversy started

The photo controversy began when images resurfaced showing Zohran Mamdani posing with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a Brooklyn cleric once described by federal authorities as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Shortly afterward, another photo emerged of Mamdani in Uganda with Rebecca Kadaga, a political figure associated with anti-LGBTQ legislation. Critics accused Mamdani of hypocrisy for championing social justice causes while appearing with individuals linked to extremist or discriminatory views.

B. Mamdani’s defense

Mamdani defended the photos, saying he met both figures in the context of community engagement and international advocacy, not endorsement. He called the attacks “a distraction from the real issues facing New Yorkers,” and claimed they were rooted in bias against his Muslim faith and immigrant background.

He also pointed out that Imam Wahhaj has met with numerous American leaders before, suggesting the outrage was politically motivated.

C. Cuomo’s response

Cuomo’s campaign quickly used the controversy as ammunition, calling it a matter of judgment and credibility. In a series of campaign speeches, Cuomo questioned how a self-proclaimed progressive could “stand beside those who oppose the very values of inclusion and equality that New York embodies.”

His team circulated the photos widely in campaign materials and online ads, arguing that Mamdani’s associations reflected poor judgment and raised concerns about his ability to lead a city as diverse as New York.

D. Political fallout

The controversy divided public opinion. Progressive supporters of Mamdani dismissed it as a smear campaign, while moderates and conservatives saw it as evidence of immaturity and recklessness.

Polling after the controversy showed a modest tightening of the race, with Cuomo gaining support among older and centrist voters. Political analysts noted that while the issue alone might not decide the election, it reinforced Cuomo’s framing of the race as a choice between “experience and experimentation.”

3. Cuomo’s Current Position in the 2025 Election

A. Polling trends

As of October 2025, the race remains competitive. Most polls show Mamdani leading Cuomo by single digits, though within the margin of error in a head-to-head matchup. When Sliwa’s votes are included, Mamdani’s lead widens slightly, indicating that Cuomo’s best chance lies in consolidating moderate and right-leaning voters.

Cuomo’s strongest support comes from voters over 50, homeowners, and those who prioritize public safety. Mamdani’s base skews younger, more progressive, and more racially diverse. Sliwa retains a small but stable share among Republican voters.

B. Campaign strategy

Cuomo’s message centers on competence and stability. He portrays himself as the only candidate with the experience to manage New York’s complex challenges — from housing shortages and transit reliability to crime and infrastructure.

He has emphasized public safety, pledging to keep current NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected, and has sought to appeal directly to Republican and independent voters. Cuomo argues that voting for Sliwa effectively hands the election to Mamdani, urging moderates to unite behind him.

His slogan “Fight and Deliver” reflects both his combative political style and his emphasis on tangible results over rhetoric.

C. The challenges ahead

Despite the momentum, Cuomo faces significant obstacles. His resignation in 2021 remains fresh in many voters’ minds, particularly among women and progressive Democrats. Allegations of harassment and abuse of power continue to tarnish his reputation.

He’s also not running as the official Democratic nominee, which limits his access to party resources and voter infrastructure. Running under an independent line requires strong grassroots organization and heavy spending on voter outreach.

Cuomo’s team has focused on mobilizing older and moderate Democrats, lapsed Republicans, and working-class outer-borough voters — the same coalition that often swings citywide elections.

4. Where Is Andrew Cuomo Now?

After leaving the governor’s mansion in 2021, Cuomo largely stayed out of the public eye for over a year. He relocated to Westchester County, where he spent time writing, consulting, and rebuilding his image.

In 2023, he began to re-emerge through media interviews and public appearances, defending his record and hinting at a political comeback. By early 2025, Cuomo’s tone shifted from defensive to assertive — claiming he was “unjustly forced out” and that the “truth” about his governorship had been distorted.

Since launching his mayoral bid, Cuomo has been visible across the five boroughs, holding town halls, touring housing projects, and visiting small businesses. His campaign projects the image of a seasoned executive ready to restore order to a city many residents feel has grown chaotic since the pandemic.

While some Democrats view his return skeptically, others quietly acknowledge that his experience and toughness may resonate with frustrated voters seeking stability.

5. Andrew Cuomo’s Net Worth in 2025

A. Estimated net worth

As of 2025, Andrew Cuomo’s net worth is estimated to be between $13 million and $14 million. This figure represents a combination of his income from public service, book deals, real-estate holdings, and investments.

B. Sources of wealth

1. Book royalties: Cuomo earned millions from his 2020 memoir American Crisis, which chronicled his leadership during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book deal initially generated controversy over allegations that state resources were improperly used during its creation, though Cuomo denied wrongdoing.

2. Public salary and pensions: Cuomo spent decades in government, serving as Housing and Urban Development Secretary under President Bill Clinton, New York’s Attorney General, and then Governor for a decade. These roles provided substantial income and retirement benefits.

3. Consulting and speaking engagements: Following his resignation, Cuomo reportedly took on private consulting work and appeared at paid speaking events focused on governance, crisis management, and leadership.

4. Investments and real estate: Cuomo owns property in Westchester and has diversified investments in index funds and retirement accounts.

C. Financial controversies

The book deal that bolstered his fortune also sparked scrutiny, with critics alleging conflicts of interest and ethics violations. While Cuomo was cleared of criminal wrongdoing, the episode left lingering doubts about his judgment.

In the current campaign, opponents have used his wealth to paint him as out of touch with working-class New Yorkers, while his supporters argue that financial independence makes him less beholden to special interests.

6. How the Race Could Play Out

A. Potential outcomes

The 2025 NYC mayoral election remains fluid, with multiple plausible scenarios:

1. Mamdani victory: If turnout is high among younger and progressive voters, Mamdani could win decisively. His grassroots energy and social media reach remain unmatched.

2. Cuomo comeback: A strong showing among moderates, seniors, and outer-borough voters could propel Cuomo to an upset win — especially if Sliwa’s vote share drops.

3. Sliwa spoiler effect: Even a small Republican turnout could split the anti-Mamdani vote, costing Cuomo crucial points in a close race.

B. Key issues shaping voter sentiment

• Housing affordability: Mamdani proposes an ambitious rent-freeze and social housing program; Cuomo argues for public-private partnerships and incentives for developers to expand affordable housing stock.

• Public safety: Cuomo favors a balanced approach — supporting the NYPD while emphasizing reforms. Mamdani prioritizes community-based policing and mental-health interventions.

• Economy and jobs: Cuomo touts his record on economic recovery, while Mamdani stresses equity and anti-corporate measures.

• Transit and infrastructure: Both candidates promise to modernize the MTA, but Cuomo’s experience gives him a policy edge.

C. The tone of the campaign

The race has grown increasingly personal. Cuomo paints Mamdani as inexperienced and naïve, while Mamdani accuses Cuomo of corruption and authoritarianism. Debates have been fiery, with each man representing a generational and ideological divide within the Democratic base.

7. Public Perception and Media Narrative

Cuomo’s media strategy relies on contrasting himself with Mamdani’s idealism. His campaign videos emphasize his years of experience and portray him as a results-oriented problem solver.

Mamdani, on the other hand, has built a dynamic online movement that appeals to younger New Yorkers tired of establishment politics. His rallies are energetic and diverse, often drawing comparisons to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s grassroots campaigns.

Media outlets remain divided: some frame Cuomo as a comeback story of redemption and resilience; others portray him as emblematic of the political elite trying to reclaim relevance.

The photo controversy remains a recurring headline, but whether it truly shifts voter behavior will depend on how effectively Cuomo links it to broader concerns about judgment and values.

8. What Comes Next

With early voting starting in late October 2025, both campaigns are ramping up efforts across key boroughs. Cuomo is focusing on Queens, Staten Island, and parts of Brooklyn, where moderate and working-class voters could tilt the balance. Mamdani is concentrating on Manhattan, the Bronx, and progressive neighborhoods.

Both camps are investing heavily in digital ads and community outreach, framing the election as a battle for the soul of the city.

Cuomo’s team believes that if he can survive the first round of ranked-choice voting, he could consolidate enough second-preference votes from Sliwa supporters to surpass Mamdani. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s goal is to win outright majorities in heavily progressive precincts.

Conclusion

The 2025 New York City mayoral race is shaping up to be one of the most consequential and unpredictable elections in recent memory. For Andrew Cuomo, it represents not only a political comeback but also a test of whether experience and resilience can outweigh controversy and fatigue.

The Mamdani photo controversy has injected new volatility into the contest, offering Cuomo an opening to question his rival’s judgment while testing whether voters still trust Cuomo’s own character.

At 67, Cuomo is fighting for political redemption in a city he once governed from Albany but now seeks to lead directly. With polls narrowing and the electorate deeply divided, the outcome will hinge on turnout, timing, and whether New Yorkers believe the city’s future lies with the old guard or a new generation.

No matter the result, the race underscores the ever-changing landscape of New York politics — where comebacks, controversies, and charisma often collide in ways that reshape not just a city, but the national conversation around leadership itself.