(MENAFN) New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo stated on Sunday that he intends to pursue a cooperative approach with US President Donald Trump if he wins the election, highlighting their previous working relationship during his tenure as governor, according to reports.

"I know President Trump. I was governor when he was president. In the first term, we worked together," a new agency said.

The independent candidate pushed back against the notion that Democratic city officials must always clash with Republican presidents, asserting, "I'm going to try cooperation." Cuomo expressed confidence that Trump cares about New York and "would be open to a cooperative path that is doing good things in New York," adding that it would be "unfortunate" if relations became solely political.

Cuomo also stressed the importance of working collaboratively with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, noting the city’s critical role as the state’s economic engine.

Regarding his Republican rival, Curtis Sliwa, Cuomo cited Trump’s view that Sliwa is not yet prepared for “prime time” due to a lack of managerial and governmental experience.

Recent surveys indicate that Democrat Zohran Mamdani leads with support ranging from 41% to 47%, while Cuomo garners 31% to 34% and Sliwa trails at 14% to 24%, according to polls conducted from late October to early November. Over 580,000 New Yorkers have already cast early ballots ahead of Tuesday’s election, as stated by election authorities.

Cuomo launched his independent bid after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani, who, if elected, would become both the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of the city.

MENAFN03112025000045017281ID1110284742