Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo openly admitted that President Donald Trump could help sway Republican voters in his favor in the New York City mayoral race, adding that the prospect heartens him, Politico’s New York Playbook reports.
“Trump himself, as well as top Republicans, will say the goal is to stop [Democratic nominee Zohran] Mamdani. And you’ll be wasting your vote on [Republican nominee Curtis] Sliwa. So I feel good about that,” Cuomo reportedly said at a fundraising event this past weekend, per audio obtained by the publication.
Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi minimized the statements, noting that Cuomo was “speculating” in response to a “hypothetical.”
“We’re not asking for or expecting help from anyone,” Azzopardi added.
The former governor’s remarks come after The New York Times reported that Cuomo and Trump had held a call about the election, something both politicians denied. Cuomo has also said he wouldn’t accept the president’s endorsement.
