A growing coalition of New York City progressives is mobilizing to block Andrew Cuomo’s comeback bid for Mayor, using ranked-choice voting to sideline the embattled former Governor.
At a Glance
- Progressive leaders have launched a unified anti-Cuomo campaign dubbed “Don’t Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor”
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders have endorsed rival progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani
- Cross-endorsement strategy aims to consolidate anti-Cuomo ranked-choice votes
- Cuomo remains the frontrunner but polling shows Mamdani surging
- Cuomo’s controversial record on harassment and pandemic handling remains central to opposition messaging
Progressives Rally Against Cuomo’s Return
Progressive New York City politicians and activists are coalescing around a coordinated effort to block Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign through a ranked-choice voting strategy. The newly formed “Don’t Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor” PAC has become the centerpiece of this effort, urging left-leaning voters to leave Cuomo off their ballots entirely.
The movement has gained national traction with endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who called Cuomo part of a “gerontocracy” unsuited for modern leadership. Bernie Sanders has also weighed in, backing progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has emerged as Cuomo’s leading challenger.
Coalition Tactics: Cross-Endorsements and Ranked Strategy
To maximize the advantages of ranked-choice voting, Mamdani and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander have publicly cross-endorsed one another, encouraging supporters to list them as first and second choices. Other progressive figures, such as Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie, have joined the call to deny Cuomo any ranking, while City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams remains a potential late endorser.
Polls suggest this strategy is gaining traction: recent data shows Mamdani closing the gap on Cuomo as progressive voter coordination improves. Political analysts say the DREAM PAC’s message is resonating, especially with younger voters frustrated by Cuomo’s controversial past, including sexual harassment allegations and pandemic-era nursing home scandals.
Stakes High As Election Nears
Ranked-choice voting allows for anti-Cuomo forces to coalesce in a way that may deny him a majority win even if he leads first-round results. With the primary fast approaching on June 24, progressive leaders see this contest as a chance to shift the city’s political landscape away from machine politics toward generational and ideological change.
Whether this late-breaking coalition can overcome Cuomo’s institutional support remains uncertain. But with progressive energy and endorsements building daily, Cuomo’s once-assumed path back to political power now looks increasingly fraught.
