In a surprising turn of events, former mayoral aides to Rudy Giuliani have come out in support of Andrew Cuomo instead of Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, in the New York City mayoral race. Joe Lhota, who served as Giuliani’s deputy mayor and ran for mayor in 2013, confirmed his allegiance to Cuomo in a candid conversation with the New York Post. Lhota described the choice as stark. “It’s a choice between a proven manager, a socialist, and a fruit loop,” he stated, clearly favoring Cuomo. This endorsement sheds light on the fractures within the Republican ranks and raises questions about Sliwa’s viability as a candidate.
Anthony Carbonetti, another former aide to Giuliani and a key advisor during his presidential campaign in 2008, echoed Lhota’s thoughts. While he acknowledged Sliwa as a “great New Yorker,” Carbonetti expressed doubts about Sliwa’s chances in the race. “The math simply isn’t there for him to win,” he stated. Sliwa, as they warn, may risk splitting the vote, leading to an undesirable outcome. Carbonetti spoke candidly about Sliwa’s challenge: “I don’t want a socialist in charge of a $116 billion city budget,” he noted, remarking on criticisms of Sliwa’s rival, Zohran Mamdani, and his proposals for fare-free buses, which Carbonetti suggested might turn them into “mobile homeless shelters.”
Adding to the chorus of endorsements for Cuomo is former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, a longtime ally of Giuliani. In an op-ed published in the Staten Island Advance, Mukasey warned that voting for Mamdani poses a significant risk to the city. “Our city should not be put at risk of irreversible damage, which it would be if Mamdani is elected,” Mukasey wrote, identifying Cuomo as “the most viable alternative.” His perspective highlights a stark divide in political loyalties, as prominent figures in Giuliani’s circle are rallying around Cuomo in an election that has taken many by surprise.
The political landscape in New York City is shifting rapidly. Current Mayor Eric Adams has thrown the election into further disarray, announcing he will not seek re-election. His decision removes a formidable incumbent from the race, potentially opening the door for other candidates to consolidate support.
President Donald Trump, who previously endorsed Sliwa, has also expressed skepticism about Sliwa’s chances, stating, “Look, I’m a Republican, but Curtis is not exactly prime time.” Sliwa’s advisor, Rob Cole, responded by pointing out Lhota’s shift to the Democratic Party since 2016. “Joe Lhota has been a Democrat since 2016. He worked for Andrew Cuomo. Big deal,” he remarked. The exchange underscores the ongoing tensions and shifting alliances within New York’s political scene.
Polling suggests that Mamdani is leading significantly, with a 20-point advantage. However, he has not crossed the 50 percent mark, which leaves the possibility of an upset if Cuomo can effectively consolidate support among independent and traditional Republican voters. The stakes are high, and the dynamics of voter sentiment are critical as the race unfolds.
While Rudy Giuliani remains a central figure and a recognizable name in Republican circles, he has not made an endorsement in the current mayoral race, leaving observers to speculate about his next move. As the election approaches, the strategies and affiliations of candidates and their supporters will undoubtedly shape the future of New York City.
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