Mamdani-Cuomo race intensifies as Epstein link accusation surfaces
Democratic nominee presses Cuomo on consulting ties, dismisses ex-governor’s housing attack as political theater
NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) – The mayoral contest between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo is growing increasingly combative, with Mamdani releasing a new campaign video linking the former governor’s consulting work to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In the 90-second TikTok-style clip, Mamdani looks directly into the camera and demands that Cuomo release a full list of his consulting clients.
He points to Cuomo’s role in a luxury marina project in Puerto Rico alongside real estate developer Andrew Farkas — noting that Farkas had previously partnered with Epstein on Caribbean ventures.
“In June, the New York Times revealed that Cuomo worked with his longtime friend Andrew Farkas on a luxury marina project in Puerto Rico. Farkas’ earlier partner in similar projects was none other than Jeffrey Epstein,” Mamdani says in the video.
The move follows Cuomo’s recent attempt to turn attention on Mamdani’s rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria. Cuomo accused the socialist lawmaker of hypocrisy, even proposing “Zohran’s Law” to prevent wealthier residents from accessing rent-restricted housing.
Mamdani’s camp, however, dismissed the attack as a distraction from Cuomo’s own history of questionable ties.
Supporters argue that Mamdani, who has long advocated for affordable housing, is being singled out for living in the very neighborhoods he represents, while Cuomo has spent years cultivating relationships with developers and corporate donors.
Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azzopardi countered that Mamdani was “a total fraud,” claiming he grew up wealthy, owned land abroad, collected a six-figure salary without showing up for his job, and flip-flopped on policing.
He also accused Mamdani of backing “pro-Hamas criminals like the Holy Land Five.”
Mamdani allies shot back, saying Cuomo’s attacks rely on smear tactics and Islamophobic dog whistles rather than addressing voters’ real concerns.
“New Yorkers want transparency, accountability, and affordable housing — not fearmongering and character assassination,” one campaign aide said.
The back-and-forth underscores the escalating bitterness of the race, as Mamdani seeks to paint Cuomo as an entrenched figure tied to Wall Street elites, while Cuomo tries to cast Mamdani as out of touch with ordinary New Yorkers.
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