AOC Deepens Democratic Rift by Slamming Cuomo Supporters as "Cowards" in NYC Mayoral Race

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made a fiery move within New York's Democratic Party, calling the support of Andrew Cuomo in the 2025 New York City mayoral race by establishment figures an act of "cowardice."

Her comments, made days after she endorsed progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani, are sending shockwaves through local politics just weeks ahead of the June 24 primary.

"It is actually nuts that even when the NYC political establishment was presented with a broad field of talented candidates w/ many ideas, in a time of generational change & anti-corruption, they STILL chose to line up behind scandal-ridden Andrew Cuomo.

It's cowardice." - AOC

The congresswoman's remarks highlight the growing divide between the Democratic establishment and the party's insurgent progressive wing. With early voting now underway and a ranked-choice system in place, AOC's intervention could shift the balance in one of the most consequential city elections in years.

Her words come as Cuomo seeks a political comeback after resigning in disgrace in 2021 following a series of sexual harassment allegations. Despite the scandal, Cuomo has managed to lock down significant institutional support, including from key unions and longtime political allies. His campaign has leaned heavily on themes of leadership experience and public safety, appealing to centrist voters who view his past governance as a steady hand in uncertain times.

A Divisive Comeback: Cuomo Leads, But Faces Resistance

Recent polling shows Cuomo leading with about 45% of first-choice support in the ranked-choice field. Mamdani, meanwhile, trails with between 31% and 39%, depending on the poll. Analysts say Mamdani's chances rest on being a strong second-choice pick for voters backing other progressives like Brad Lander and Zellnor Myrie.

Ocasio-Cortez is clearly betting on that strategy. In addition to endorsing Mamdani as her top choice, she urged supporters to rank other progressive candidates next to maximize the anti-Cuomo vote. "Rank Mamdani first, and then every other candidate who isn't Andrew Cuomo," she said. "That's how we win."

This year's primary marks the second major New York City election using ranked-choice voting, a system designed to encourage coalition-building and discourage negative campaigning. But in this race, lines are sharply drawn. AOC's explosive comments reflect the high stakes involved: not just who wins, but which faction controls the future of the city's Democratic politics.

The Mamdani campaign has already seized on her comments, launching new digital ads that frame Cuomo's candidacy as a step backward. "You can't clean up New York with the same people who created the mess," one ad declares.

This isn't the first time AOC has gone head-to-head with the party establishment. Her 2018 victory over Rep. Joe Crowley, then one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress, marked a generational and ideological shift. Her endorsement of Mamdani is being watched as a test of whether that shift still has momentum—and whether New York City voters are ready to reject a familiar face in favor of bold reform.

If Mamdani manages a surprise victory or even a close second, it could energize progressives nationwide and set the stage for a new era in Democratic urban leadership. If Cuomo wins outright, it may reaffirm the enduring power of name recognition and machine politics in the five boroughs.

The final days of campaigning are likely to be intense. Early voting continues through June 23, and all eyes are on whether AOC's gamble will pay off. The mayoral primary will be decided not just by who gets the most votes—but by who voters believe represents the future of New York City.