Political turnaround: Andrew Cuomo gains late momentum ahead of the New York election

The electoral race for the New York City mayor position is heating up just hours before the vote, with unexpected endorsements shaping the political landscape of the metropolis. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, received a significant boost from U.S. President Donald Trump via his Truth Social network on November 3rd.

Trump’s Surprise Endorsement Changes the Dynamic

In a message directed at New York voters, Trump urged citizens to vote for Cuomo against his progressive opponent Zohran Mamdani. “Personally, whether you like Andrew Cuomo or not doesn’t matter. What really matters is that you have hardly any other viable choice,” said the American president. “Vote for him and wish him an exceptional administration. He is capable of doing it, unlike Mamdani,” he added.

The former New York governor sees a complicated political scenario emerging if Mamdani wins. Trump hinted that such a result would make it “extremely unlikely” for federal funds to flow into New York, except for the minimum obligations. The Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, currently trailing in the polls, would, according to Trump, be a de facto vote for Mamdani.

Market Predictions Favor Mamdani

Decentralized prediction markets tell a different story. On Polymarket, a crypto-native prediction market, 94% of bettors support the progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani. This market consensus suggests a clear electoral preference, regardless of last-minute political appeals.

Unexpected Support from the Tech Sector

Alongside traditional political endorsements, Andrew Cuomo also received backing from Innovate NY PAC, a political organization dedicated to digital innovation and technological solutions for New York. Eddie Cullen, head of this organization, believes that “Cuomo has the know-how, experience, and strategic vision needed to position New York as a global innovation hub.”

According to Cullen, a Cuomo term would recreate the conditions for New York City to be a city where families, entrepreneurs, and innovators can thrive and build sustainable opportunities.

The 2024 New York City municipal election is shaping up to be one of the most decisive in its urban history, with stakes far beyond simple local administration.