(NewsNation) — With Zohran Mamdani projected to win the New York City mayoral race, NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo reacted to his brother Andrew Cuomo’s defeat.
“I believe in my brother,” said Chris Cuomo. “I think he’s a tremendous operator within government. But he’s not what Democrats want right now in their party.”
Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, positioned himself as a practical moderate with experience managing the challenges that come with leading the nation’s largest city.
The 67-year-old served as New York governor from 2011 to 2021 before resigning amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations. His mayoral bid marked a return to politics — this time, as an underdog.
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Cuomo made public safety the centerpiece of his campaign, pledging to add 5,000 new police officers to the force and boost patrols across the city’s subway system. He pushed for a collaborative, rather than combative, relationship with the city’s business community and opposed Mamdani’s proposed tax increases.
“And Democrats win in New York City,” added Chris Cuomo.
“That’s the one-line analysis: The Democrat was going to win in New York City. But the type of Democrat and what they want, I do believe there’s a metaphor here as a reaction to MAGA.”
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Chris Cuomo believes the decision to elect Mamdani over his brother reflects how Democrats behave when it comes to the midterms.
“I believe he and his people are looking at this race because they see what can beat them in the midterms and the lineup,” he said. “It is MAGA on the other side with more people and more intensity than we saw with MAGA.”
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Cuomo also pointed out that he feels Democrats believe they have to be like what beat them. He singled out Gavin Newsom because of his measured approach.
“This is think, then speak,” said Cuomo about Newsom. “And if it goes the wrong way, find a way out of it. Polished politician. He is acting the buffoon with these tweets with Trump and his little stunts. And he has never been more popular.”
