Andrew Cuomo on Mamdani: 'You Can Be a New Yorker and Not Understand New Yorkers'

In a heated closing stretch of New York City's 2025 mayoral race, former Governor Andrew Cuomo launched pointed criticism at Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, arguing that physical residency in the city doesn't automatically translate to understanding its unique culture and values. The controversial statement, made during an ABC News interview just days before Election Day, has ignited intense debate about what it means to truly represent New York's diverse communities.

The Controversial Statement That Sparked National Attention

During his interview with ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis on October 30, Cuomo defended previous remarks where he questioned whether Mamdani, despite being a dual U.S.-Uganda citizen who has lived in New York since age seven, truly grasps "the New York culture, the New York values." When pressed by Davis, Cuomo elaborated with a statement that quickly went viral: "You can be a New Yorker and not understand New Yorkers, right?"

The former governor's comments centered on what he described as Mamdani's divisive campaign rhetoric. "He has been very divisive through this campaign. He has said things that are highly inflammatory," Cuomo explained. "And that's not the New York way. Because you have the diversity that we have [in New York], you have to be very careful as a leader, not to inflame division."

Understanding the Political Context Behind the Criticism

Cuomo's attacks on Mamdani have intensified as polling consistently shows the 34-year-old democratic socialist assemblyman maintaining a substantial lead. According to recent surveys from Emerson College and Marist University, Mamdani holds between 16 to 25 percentage point advantages over Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary in June.

The 67-year-old Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations he continues to deny, has positioned his campaign around his extensive executive experience. He contrasts his 11 years as governor and his tenure as secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton with Mamdani's three terms in the State Assembly.

The Experience Versus Integrity Debate

Central to Cuomo's campaign strategy has been emphasizing the complexity of managing New York City's 300,000 employees and $115 billion budget. "Being mayor is a complicated job," Cuomo told Davis. "It is a situation where on any given day, you can deal with any unknown crisis." He argued that potential emergencies ranging from terror attacks to pandemics require a leader who is "ready" from day one, with "no on-the-job training."

Mamdani has countered these attacks with memorable rebuttals. During the first mayoral general election debate, the assemblyman responded sharply: "What I don't have in experience, I make up for in integrity, and what you don't have in integrity, you could never make up for in experience." The exchange highlighted the fundamental tension at the heart of this race: whether voters prioritize proven administrative capability or untarnished character.

Accusations of Divisiveness and Identity Politics

Cuomo's characterization of Mamdani as "very divisive" references the assemblyman's past statements calling the New York City Police Department "racist" and "wicked." Mamdani has since apologized for those remarks, stating they do not represent his current views. However, Cuomo continues to highlight these comments alongside Mamdani's progressive policy proposals, including freezing rents for stabilized apartments and his stance on policing reform.

The race has also been marked by controversial moments involving faith and ethnicity. Cuomo faced accusations of Islamophobia from Mamdani after appearing to laugh along with a radio host who suggested Mamdani would "cheer another 9/11." While Cuomo later claimed he thought the host was joking and called the remark offensive, the incident sparked widespread criticism from Democrats and political observers.

Mamdani's Response and Campaign Message

In response to Cuomo's attacks, Mamdani has emphasized his inclusive vision for the city. Speaking to ABC News earlier in the campaign, Mamdani stated he is "looking to serve everyone who calls the city home." His campaign has highlighted endorsements from a diverse coalition of New Yorkers representing various backgrounds, ages, and neighborhoods.

Mamdani's supporters argue that his Queens roots and lived experience as the child of immigrants give him unique insight into the struggles facing working-class New Yorkers. Having arrived in New York at age seven and growing up in the city's public schools, Mamdani represents a different kind of New York experience than the Albany insider path Cuomo traveled.

The Democratic Party's Internal Struggle

Cuomo's independent candidacy after his primary loss has created significant tension within New York's Democratic establishment. High-profile Democrats including Governor Kathy Hochul and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries eventually endorsed Mamdani as the party's nominee, though some endorsements came late and appeared reluctant.

During his ABC interview, Cuomo acknowledged this schism, arguing that Democrats face a choice "between left-wing and moderate Democrats." He characterized Mamdani's agenda as "radical" and claimed "I know it doesn't work for New York City, and I don't think it works for the Democratic Party by and large." Cuomo concluded by framing the election as one that "determines the future of New York City" and "determines the future of the Democratic Party."

What "Understanding New Yorkers" Really Means

Cuomo's assertion that someone can be a New Yorker without understanding New Yorkers raises fundamental questions about representation and leadership. His argument suggests that true understanding comes from navigating the city's political machinery, managing crises, and balancing competing interests among diverse constituencies. From his perspective, decades of government experience provide insights that residency alone cannot deliver.

Critics counter that this view dismisses the legitimate perspectives of newer New Yorkers and those from immigrant backgrounds who bring fresh approaches to persistent problems. Mamdani's supporters argue that his identity as the son of immigrants who built a life in Queens gives him authentic connection to the struggles of housing affordability, transportation access, and economic opportunity that define life for millions of New Yorkers.

The Final Campaign Push

With Election Day approaching, Cuomo has emphasized the high early voting turnout as evidence that his campaign message is resonating. "We've been focusing on it, but people have been living their lives," Cuomo told reporters. "You now get down to the last week, they're starting to focus." He expressed confidence that "normal New Yorkers" would ultimately support his candidacy once they fully engaged with the race.

Cuomo has received substantial financial backing from billionaire former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who donated $1.5 million to a pro-Cuomo super PAC in the campaign's final days. Bloomberg praised Cuomo's "experience and toughness to stand up for New Yorkers and get things done," echoing themes central to Cuomo's closing argument.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Andrew Cuomo mean by "you can be a New Yorker and not understand New Yorkers"?

Cuomo argued that living in New York City doesn't automatically mean someone understands its unique culture, values, and diversity. He suggested that true understanding comes from extensive experience navigating the city's complex political and social landscape, particularly in leadership roles. This comment was directed at opponent Zohran Mamdani, whom Cuomo characterized as divisive despite being a longtime resident.

Why is Andrew Cuomo running as an independent candidate?

Cuomo is running as an independent on the "Fight and Deliver" ballot line after losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani in June 2025. Despite running outside the Democratic Party structure, Cuomo emphasizes that he still identifies as a Democrat and frames his candidacy as representing moderate Democratic values against what he describes as Mamdani's radical agenda.

What experience does Cuomo emphasize in his campaign?

Cuomo highlights his 11 years as New York governor (2011-2021), his tenure as secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton, and his accomplishments including legalizing same-sex marriage and raising the minimum wage. He argues that managing New York City's 300,000 employees and $115 billion budget requires proven executive experience, especially for handling unexpected crises.

How has Zohran Mamdani responded to Cuomo's attacks?

Mamdani has countered by emphasizing integrity over experience, famously stating that "What I don't have in experience, I make up for in integrity, and what you don't have in integrity, you could never make up for in experience." He presents himself as serving all New Yorkers and has built a diverse coalition of supporters. Mamdani also accused Cuomo of Islamophobia following controversial comments about 9/11.

What are the latest polls showing in the NYC mayor's race?

Recent polls from Emerson College and Marist University show Mamdani maintaining a substantial lead, with advantages ranging from 16 to 25 percentage points over Cuomo. A Quinnipiac University poll found 43% of likely voters supporting Mamdani compared to 33% for Cuomo. However, Cuomo's campaign points to high early voting turnout as evidence the race may be closer than polls suggest.

The Stakes of This Historic Race

Beyond the personal rivalry between Cuomo and Mamdani, this election represents a broader conversation about New York City's future direction. Cuomo frames it as a choice between pragmatic governance grounded in experience versus what he characterizes as inexperienced idealism. Mamdani presents it as an opportunity to move beyond politics-as-usual and address fundamental inequities in housing, transportation, and economic opportunity.

The question of whether someone can be a New Yorker without understanding New Yorkers ultimately reflects competing visions of who gets to define what New York means. Is it shaped by those who have navigated its power structures for decades, or by those bringing fresh perspectives informed by contemporary struggles? Voters will deliver their verdict on Election Day, deciding not just who leads City Hall, but what kind of leadership best serves America's most diverse metropolis.