Cuomo raises over $1.5 million in mayoral campaign push
- Andrew Cuomo raised over $1.51 million from more than 2,800 donors within 13 days of his mayoral campaign launch.
- Zohran Mamdani has also gained traction, raising nearly $850,000 in the past two months.
- Cuomo's strong fundraising signals his potential as a leading candidate despite his controversial past.
In the context of the New York City mayoral race, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has demonstrated significant fundraising capability since declaring his candidacy on March 1, 2025. Within just 13 days of his campaign launch, he reported raising over $1.51 million, with contributions from approximately 2,800 donors. This substantial financial backing places him in a favorable position compared to other candidates and reflects a strong show of support even amidst the controversies surrounding his past. This fundraising success is indicative of his retained name recognition and influence in the political landscape of New York City, despite his resignation from governor in 2021 due to multiple scandals including sexual harassment accusations and the handling of COVID-related deaths in nursing homes. In addition to Cuomo, fellow candidates such as Zohran Mamdani, a progressive state lawmaker from Queens, have also generated notable fundraising totals. Mamdani announced that his campaign had pulled in close to $850,000 within two months, capitalizing on social media engagement and addressing issues of public concern such as the high cost of living, which resonates with many voters. Meanwhile, Adrienne Adams, the City Council Speaker, reported raising $128,000 shortly after entering the race, but this amount fell short of the threshold needed to qualify for matching funds, which could greatly amplify the funds raised from smaller donations. Cuomo's leading position in the fundraising and polling landscape comes at a critical time when current Mayor Eric Adams faces declining public support and legal challenges related to accusations of bribery and fraud. Polls indicate that Cuomo is currently favored to take the lead over Adams as the Democratic primary approaches; however, public sentiment towards Cuomo is mixed due to the lingering impact of his scandals. As he campaigns to unseat Adams, Cuomo must navigate a complex political environment that includes ensuring continued voter support while managing his own historical baggage. The competitive nature of the mayoral race is clear, with several candidates vying to position themselves favorably through their fundraising prowess and policy stances. With the Democratic primary scheduled for June 24, 2025, candidates are under pressure to both raise funds and create compelling narratives that resonate with the electorate. As the mayoral field continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Cuomo can maintain his initial momentum or address the high unfavorable ratings he has reported amidst ongoing public scrutiny regarding his past.