### Cuomo Eyes Mayoral Run Amid Adams Indictment Turmoil

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly positioning himself as a candidate for New York City mayor, should current Mayor Eric Adams be ousted from office. Sources have disclosed to The Post that Cuomo, who has been in discussions with various city powerbrokers, is prepared to enter a nonpartisan special election if Adams steps down.

Earlier this week, Cuomo held a meeting with prominent Brooklyn attorney and Democratic figure Frank Seddio, expressing his readiness to compete should Adams leave his post. Adams’ potential departure would automatically trigger a special election. An insider revealed, "He's told several people I know he's running," adding that Cuomo has assured influential real estate professionals of his intent to run in the special election.

However, Cuomo's plans appear less certain if Adams remains in the race. According to one source, Cuomo has not definitively decided whether he would challenge Adams in a primary.

Another influential city figure confirmed that Cuomo's allies have approached him to arrange meetings, reinforcing the impression that Cuomo will indeed run if a special election is called. Insiders also report that Cuomo has reached out to key figures in the real estate and construction sectors to discuss his intentions. Moreover, he is said to be in talks with the political consulting firm Mercury Public Affairs.

Mayor Adams was recently indicted on federal charges of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud, casting doubt on his political future. Adams has vowed to remain in office, claiming that the charges are a politically motivated attack because of his criticism of the federal government's handling of the migrant crisis.

Cuomo, with his extensive name recognition and a substantial campaign fund from his gubernatorial tenure, would be strategically positioned in a rapid and potentially chaotic special election. Rich Azzopardi, a longtime spokesman for Cuomo, stated, "Governor Cuomo has spent a lifetime in public service fighting and delivering for the people of New York and will do whatever he can to help. That said, the speculation is premature as Governor Cuomo believes Mayor Adams is entitled to due process."

Cuomo resigned from governorship in 2021 after a sexual misconduct scandal, with a US Department of Justice investigation finding that he had sexually harassed at least 13 female employees and retaliated against former staff members. Cuomo has consistently contested the findings.

Since his resignation, Cuomo has shifted towards the political center, vocally opposing the Defund the Police movement and criticizing the handling of the migrant situation in New York. In the event of a special election, Cuomo’s candidacy would likely present a significant contrast to more progressive candidates like city Comptroller Brad Lander and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.