Andrew Cuomo framed himself as President Donald Trump’s foil during the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City, adamant that his past record standing up to Trump as governor positioned him as the party's best choice to defend the city during Trump’s second term.

The shocking vote of confidence came despite Mayor Eric Adams, who has repeatedly cozied up to Trump, also vying for re-election on an independent line in the general race. Adams has attacked Cuomo for staying in the race, claiming that he alone should be the one to take on Mamdani in November.