Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo during a rally supporting progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani. She accused Cuomo of positioning himself for a future presidential campaign by using the NYC mayoral race as a strategic springboard.
AOC framed the election as a national bellwether, warning that reinstating Cuomo could extend an era of “gerontocracy” within the Democratic Party. She argued voters should reject aging establishment figures and prioritize younger leadership, highlighting concerns over Cuomo’s past controversies.
During the event, AOC emphasized the stakes: this isn’t merely a local race, she said—it reflects the direction of the entire party. Cuomo’s campaign responded by clarifying that he plans only to serve as mayor if elected, dismissing any broader ambitions.