Andrew Cuomo rejected claims of an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in New York City’s mayoral race, arguing that Trump’s comments target his opponent, Zohran Mamdani, rather than support him. Speaking at a campaign event in Staten Island on October 29, Cuomo said Trump sees Mamdani as a serious threat to New York. “He believes that Mamdani is an existential threat to New York,” Cuomo said. “He thinks Mamdani is a communist and will bankrupt the city. That’s why he opposes Mamdani. It’s not about supporting me.” When a reporter asked if Trump’s statements could influence the election in Cuomo’s favor, the former governor repeated that the former president is not backing him. “He’s not endorsing me. He’s opposing Mamdani,” Cuomo said. Trump, however, publicly encouraged voters to support Cuomo on the eve of the election. Writing on Truth Social, he urged New Yorkers to vote for Cuomo, citing the former governor’s track record. “Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him and hope he does a fantastic job,” Trump wrote. He added that Cuomo “is capable of it” while describing Mamdani as someone “who is not.” Cuomo is running as an independent in the election after leaving the Democratic Party, while Mamdani is the Democratic nominee. The mayoral race has drawn national attention, in part due to the high-profile involvement of Trump. Observers note that Trump’s endorsement—or opposition—may influence voter behavior, particularly among conservative-leaning voters. Cuomo, a former three-term governor of New York, emphasized that he will focus on his campaign rather than the former president’s messaging. During his Staten Island appearance, Cuomo outlined his plans for New York City, including measures to strengthen the economy, improve public safety, and invest in education. He stressed that his priorities are independent of outside political influence. Political analysts suggest that Trump’s statements could polarize the electorate. Supporters of Cuomo view his independence and experience as an advantage in tackling citywide challenges. Critics argue that the controversy surrounding Trump’s involvement might distract from the key issues of the campaign. Despite the high-profile attention, Cuomo remains committed to his message and vision for New York City. “This race is about the future of our city,” he said. “It’s not about outside figures or endorsements. It’s about leadership and what we can do for the people of New York.” The mayoral contest has become a focal point for debates over economic policy, housing, and public safety. Both candidates have participated in forums and debates, highlighting their plans to address the city’s challenges. Cuomo’s response to Trump’s remarks illustrates the delicate balance candidates face when outside political figures attempt to influence local elections. By framing Trump’s message as opposition to Mamdani rather than support for him, Cuomo seeks to maintain his independent stance and appeal to a broad voter base. The outcome of the election will be closely watched, not only for its impact on New York City, but also for the broader implications of national political figures shaping local campaigns. Cuomo continues to campaign across the city, emphasizing his experience and proposals while navigating the complexities of high-profile endorsements.