Elon Musk has officially declared his support for former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race. This comes as Cuomo embarks on an independent campaign against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Musk urged voters to back Cuomo, emphasizing the importance of their choice in the upcoming election.
Election Central: Musk Backs Cuomo
On November 3, 2025, Musk took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to encourage New Yorkers to vote for Cuomo. He stated that choosing GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa would inadvertently benefit Mamdani. Musk reiterated, “A vote for Curtis is really a vote for Mamdani.”
Musk’s Critique of Mamdani
Musk has previously voiced concerns about Mamdani, labeling him the “future of the Democratic Party.” Despite this critique, he had refrained from endorsing either of Mamdani’s opponents until now. Both candidates share a vision for improving government efficiency but differ significantly in their approaches.
Controversy Over Subsidies
During the campaign, Mamdani has leveraged Musk’s financial ties to Cuomo as a campaign point. He noted that Cuomo approved $959 million in tax breaks for a solar panel company tied to Musk. This was perceived as a failure to address the pressing needs of New Yorkers.
- Mamdani accused Cuomo of misallocating funds intended for city residents.
- Sliwa criticized both Cuomo and Musk, claiming Musk is indifferent to NYC’s challenges.
Influential Supporters of Cuomo
Musk’s backing adds him to a list of notable billionaires supporting Cuomo’s candidacy. Other high-profile figures include:
- Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg
- Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia
- Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman
These supporters have invested significantly in the mayoral race, aligning against Mamdani. Even former President Donald Trump voiced his preference for Cuomo, stating, “If it’s gonna be between a bad Democrat and a communist, I’m gonna pick the bad Democrat all the time.”
With election day fast approaching, the dynamics of the New York City mayoral race continue to evolve. Voter turnout and endorsements will play pivotal roles in shaping the outcome.
