Andrew Cuomo, the next Mayor of NYC?

It looks like Andrew Cuomo is back on the radar, and this time, he’s got an unexpected but powerful group ready to support him: mainstream and conservative Jewish voters. With New York City Mayor Eric Adams now facing a wave of corruption charges, many Jewish activists are hoping Cuomo will throw his hat into the ring for mayor of New York City. And you can bet they’re serious.

Cuomo, the former governor of New York, is no stranger to controversy himself. But in the Jewish community, many see him as a moderate with a proven track record on issues that matter most—combating antisemitism and standing firmly with Israel. One activist, speaking anonymously, said it outright: “The Jewish community is very anxious for Cuomo to jump into the race. A lot of us will jump in for him.”

And why not? Andrew Cuomo has a long history of supporting causes that resonate with Jewish voters, from defending Israel on the international stage to calling out the rising tide of antisemitism in America. That kind of steadfast support hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially now when trust in current leadership is crumbling.

Adams’ Fall from Grace

Mayor Eric Adams has had his share of supporters, especially in the Jewish community, for his vocal stance against antisemitism. But with his corruption scandal making headlines, many are beginning to see the writing on the wall. Even some of Adams’ former backers are questioning whether he’ll be able to weather the storm and survive politically.

“I’m skeptical that Eric can survive and make it to next year’s election,” said Michael Nussbaum, a prominent figure in the Jewish community. That skepticism is spreading fast, as more people are quietly acknowledging what many already suspect: Adams’ chances of re-election are dwindling.

A Jewish Power Bloc

With nearly 1 million Jews in New York City—about 20-25% of a Democratic primary vote—that’s not just a “voting bloc,” it’s a game-changer. Jewish support was crucial for Adams in his 2021 victory, but now, with his political future hanging in the balance, that same community may be looking for a new leader. And for many, Andrew Cuomo is that leader.

Jewish advocates are already calling Cuomo “the top candidate” if he chooses to run. As one organizer put it, “Cuomo will immediately be the top candidate in the Jewish community.” And if there’s one thing the Jewish voters of New York know, it’s how to rally behind a candidate who aligns with their values.

Cuomo’s Resurgence

Let’s not forget, Cuomo left office amid scandal, but his legacy of managing and governing isn’t in question for many. The Jewish community remembers Cuomo not only for his support but for his ability to get things done. And compared to the chaos swirling around Adams, Cuomo’s experience may feel like a safe bet.

Cuomo has already hinted that he’s ready to jump back into the political arena. According to some insiders, he’s been speaking with key New York City powerbrokers about a potential mayoral bid if a special election is called. And if that happens, you can expect the Jewish community to line up behind him, leaving Adams in the dust.

So, while Eric Adams may still be the man in charge for now, the winds are shifting. And if Cuomo decides to make a move, he’s going to have a powerful group ready to back him. After all, when you’ve got a track record like Cuomo’s on issues like Israel and antisemitism, the choice for many in the Jewish community seems pretty clear.

The big question now is, will Cuomo make his move? Because if he does, the race for New York City mayor might be over before it even begins.