New York, June 28 (V7N) - Despite losing the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will appear on the November general election ballot as an independent candidate, multiple sources have confirmed to USA TODAY.
 
A source familiar with Cuomo’s political strategy stated that he has officially decided to continue his mayoral bid outside the Democratic Party, setting up a complex three-way race for the liberal vote this fall. The contest will now include Cuomo, Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani, and current Mayor Eric Adams, who is also reportedly running for re-election as an independent.
 
A separate source within Cuomo’s camp confirmed his decision to stay in the race, although it remains unclear how vigorously he intends to campaign through to November. As CNN initially reported, Cuomo is still weighing his level of engagement in the coming months.
 
The move is likely to split the liberal vote and intensify an already politically charged mayoral race in the nation's largest city. Cuomo, who previously served as governor for three terms before resigning amid scandal in 2021, has maintained a low profile until recently but is reportedly testing the waters for a full political comeback.
 
Zohran Mamdani, a progressive lawmaker from Queens and a rising star in the Democratic Party, won the primary with strong support from grassroots organizations and younger urban voters. Meanwhile, Mayor Adams, whose administration has faced criticism over policing and housing issues, is banking on broader centrist appeal as he seeks to retain his seat as an independent.
 
With all three candidates likely to draw from overlapping voter bases, analysts predict a contentious and unpredictable general election in November.
 
END/WD/AJ/