Fact Check: "Cuomo could run as an independent if he loses the primary."
What We Know
Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, is currently a candidate in the upcoming New York City mayoral primary elections scheduled for June 24, 2025. As reported by FOX 5 NY, Cuomo is actively campaigning against other Democratic candidates, including Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. The primary elections in New York City are closed, meaning only registered party members can vote in them. However, if Cuomo does not secure the Democratic nomination, he has the option to run as an independent candidate in the general election. This is supported by the fact that other candidates, such as the incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, have chosen to run as independents, bypassing the primary altogether (FOX 5 NY).
Analysis
The claim that Cuomo could run as an independent if he loses the primary is accurate and aligns with the electoral framework in New York. The state's election laws allow candidates to run as independents after failing to win their party's nomination. This is a common practice in U.S. elections, where candidates often pivot to independent runs to maintain their political presence.
The reliability of the sources cited is strong. FOX 5 NY is a reputable news outlet that provides timely updates on political events, including election coverage. The information regarding the structure of the primary elections and the possibility of running as an independent is corroborated by multiple reports and is consistent with New York's electoral regulations (FOX 5 NY, FOX 5 NY).
Additionally, the mention of other candidates opting for independent runs further strengthens the context of this claim. For instance, Eric Adams, the current mayor, has also chosen to run as an independent, highlighting a trend among candidates who may feel they cannot secure their party's nomination yet still wish to compete in the general election (NY1).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Andrew Cuomo could run as an independent if he loses the primary is true. The electoral laws in New York permit candidates to transition to independent status after failing to secure their party's nomination, and this has been evidenced by the actions of other candidates in the race.
