Super PACs form coalition to support Cuomo and oppose Mamdani in upcoming election.

In a strategic move ahead of November’s mayoral elections, Fix the City, a prominent super PAC, is uniting with at least one other independent spending group to support former Governor Andrew Cuomo in his bid for the mayoralty. This coalition comes as Cuomo prepares to face off against the leading candidate, Zohran Mamdani, in a contest that has garnered considerable attention.

Fix the City previously invested a staggering .5 million to bolster Cuomo’s unsuccessful campaign in the Democratic primary, a significant financial effort that underscores the group’s commitment to his political future. Joining Fix the City in this venture is New Yorkers for a Better Future, another super PAC that has been quietly amassing funds without formally endorsing a specific candidate until now.

Jeff Leb, the treasurer for New Yorkers for a Better Future, confirmed that the PAC will begin deploying advertising campaigns and messaging that favor Cuomo while opposing Mamdani. The groups will coordinate their efforts to ensure that their strategies are complementary rather than duplicative, while remaining independent of any direct campaign activities.

Steve Cohen, the chairman of Fix the City and a former top aide to Cuomo during his governorship, expressed expectations that additional anti-Mamdani super PACs will join this coalition in the coming weeks, although he did not disclose specific names at this time.

Unlike traditional political campaigns, PACs have the flexibility to raise and spend unlimited funds during elections, provided they do not coordinate directly with the candidates. This allows groups like Fix the City and New Yorkers for a Better Future to amplify their messaging without the constraints typically associated with a candidate’s campaign finances. The financial backing from influential donors, including billionaire ex-Mayor Michael Bloomberg and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, significantly contributed to Fix the City’s previous spending, which totaled nearly million in the primary, despite Cuomo ultimately losing to Mamdani by a margin of over 12%.

The emergence of this alliance indicates a consolidating effort within New York’s business community to re-establish Cuomo as a formidable contender in the race. Currently, Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent, has been contemplating exiting the race to accept a position with the Trump administration, a shift that could potentially benefit Cuomo’s chances against Mamdani. Nevertheless, Adams has publicly committed to remaining in the race for now.

Sources close to the coalition suggest there are no immediate plans to launch attacks against Adams aimed at persuading him to withdraw, although they have not ruled out this possibility if circumstances change. A spokesperson for Cuomo did not provide comment regarding the coalition’s announcement, nor did Mamdani’s representative, as both candidates prepare for the final stretch of their campaigns.

As the election approaches, new strategies focusing on detailed critiques of Mamdani’s proposals and enhanced community outreach initiatives are expected to shape the coalition’s approach. The strategic recalibrations signify an urgent need for Cuomo’s supporters to clarify his positions and highlight perceived risks associated with Mamdani’s candidacy. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for New York City’s leadership and political landscape.

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