NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo could reportedly announce a run for New York City mayor in the coming days, as candidates begin collecting signatures to appear on the June primary ballot.
While Cuomo, 67, has kept his potential candidacy close to the vest, reports have been piling up this week that a decision by him is imminent.
An announcement could come as soon as this weekend, the New York Times reported Tuesday, citing four people familiar with Cuomo’s planning.
People in Cuomo’s circle have reportedly eyed early March for a public launch that is expected to include a campaign video.
Meanwhile, a prominent Democratic donor is set to host a “reception” for Cuomo at his Upper East Side apartment on March 4, Politico reported, adding the event invitation doesn’t specifically use the word “fundraiser.”
1010 WINS has reached out to Cuomo’s spokesperson for comment.
This all comes as the petitioning process begins Tuesday. The effort involves candidates collecting thousands of signatures to secure a spot on the June primary ballot. If Cuomo is running he, like the rest of the candidates, will be under pressure to collect those signatures by April 3.
Multiple outlets are reporting that Cuomo has been reaching out to political leaders across the boroughs recently, as well as to union leaders. He’s expected to land his first labor union endorsement from the New York City District Council of Carpenters, Politico reported.
A new poll of likely Democratic primary voters conducted by the Honan Strategy Group between Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 found Cuomo leading the other mayoral candidates, with 38% of the vote. State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani was second with 12%, followed by Mayor Eric Adams with 10%.
At a press conference Monday, Adams said his team will be out there collecting signatures as he seeks reelection during a turbulent time for his mayoralty.
"Petitions will be in the streets," the mayor said. "So please, if you see one with my name on it, please sign it."
Asked about Rep. Ritchie Torres, of the Bronx, endorsing Cuomo for mayor on Monday, Adams said Torres "also called for the former governor to step down" as he faced sexual harassment accusations in 2021. "I don't know what happened differently now," the mayor said.
"Campaign is going to take care of itself," Adam said. "This is all, this is all the craziness of a campaign season and my job is to run the city and I'm going to continue to do that."