In a striking move that underscores how volatile New York City’s mayoral race has become, Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy has announced his endorsement of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, calling him the only candidate capable of defeating Democratic Socialist contender Zohran Mamdani.
Langworthy, who previously chaired the New York State Republican Party, said his decision came down to what he described as a matter of principle and pragmatism. Despite his long history of political battles with Cuomo during the former governor’s tenure, the congressman argued that New Yorkers now face a far greater threat from what he labeled the “radical left” movement embodied by Mamdani.
During an interview, Langworthy made it clear that the endorsement was not an ideological alignment but a “strategic defense” of the city’s future. “This isn’t about agreeing with Cuomo’s politics,” he stated. “It’s about preventing a socialist from taking control of America’s largest city. This is a no-brainer.”
Langworthy went on to describe Mamdani—a progressive state lawmaker backed by the Democratic Socialists of America—as a dangerous experiment for the city’s economic recovery and public safety. He warned that Mamdani’s policy proposals on housing, policing, and taxation could lead to what he called “irreversible damage” for businesses, working families, and the city’s already fragile infrastructure.
Cuomo’s campaign, meanwhile, has quietly welcomed support from across party lines as he seeks to position himself as a centrist alternative to both the far left and establishment Democrats. His messaging has focused on restoring “order, competence, and accountability” to city government after years of what he has described as “partisan dysfunction.”
Political analysts say Langworthy’s endorsement could signal the start of a larger coalition forming behind Cuomo, especially among moderate Democrats, independents, and Republicans alarmed by Mamdani’s growing grassroots momentum. With early voting already underway, the race is shaping up to be one of the most ideologically divided in recent New York history.
Cuomo has not directly responded to Langworthy’s endorsement, but campaign insiders suggest that bipartisan support could be a key factor in propelling him past Mamdani in what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.