Elon Musk Makes Last-Minute Endorsement in NYC Mayor Race: Backing Andrew Cuomo to Defeat Zohran Mamdani

Introduction

In a dramatic twist on the eve of the 2025 mayoral election in New York City, tech billionaire Elon Musk publicly endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo over Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani. The move—coming just hours before voters went to the polls—adds high-stakes drama to an already heated contest, unveiling powerful endorsements, sharp rhetoric and broader implications for the city’s future.

The Contest at a Glance

The 2025 New York City mayoral election features a three-way battle among:

• Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old Democratic nominee who secured an upset win in the primary and is poised to become the city’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor. 

• Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor running as an independent in the general election after losing the Democratic primary. 

• Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee whose candidacy is less central in the latest twists.

• The clash is more than municipal—it has national reverberations, drawing in figures like Musk and Donald Trump. 

Musk’s Endorsement: Timing, Message & Fallout

On Monday, November 3, 2025, Elon Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Remember to vote tomorrow in New York! Bear in mind that a vote for Curtis is really a vote for Mamudi or whatever his name is. VOTE CUOMO!” 

In this message he:

• Endorsed Andrew Cuomo outright.

• Suggested voting for Curtis Sliwa (the Republican) would effectively help Mamdani.

• Mocked Zohran Mamdani by deliberately mangling his name (“Mamudi or whatever”), sparking accusations of racial insensitivity. 

The timing is critical—just a day before the election, Musk’s intervention places him among the decisive voices in a race that has captured national attention. 

Business Insider described the endorsement as Musk “throwing his support” into the race against Mamdani. 

Why the Endorsement Matters

1. Influence of a Tech Titan

As one of the richest people in the world and owner of a major social platform, Musk’s message carries weight. His involvement underscores how technology figures are increasingly active in politics and local races.

2. Upsetting the Progressive Momentum

Mamdani’s campaign has been propelled by progressive grassroots energy, promising bold policies on affordability, housing and transit. Musk’s endorsement of a more centrist/establishment figure like Cuomo signals a bid to curb that momentum.

3. Signalling Voter Alignments

Musk’s framing—that a vote for the Republican is effectively a vote for Mamdani—aims to divide the anti-Mamdani vote and rally moderates behind Cuomo. Such strategic messaging can influence undecided voters and tactical ballots.

4. Spotlight on Name, Race & Tone

Musk’s choice to mock Mamdani’s name has triggered backlash. The Times of India reported that his “Mamudi or whatever” line “irks” and prompted internet users to call it “racist”.  

Hindustan Times also covered the roasting of Musk for butchering the Indian-origin candidate’s name. 

Response from Mamdani and Others

Supported by a youthful, diverse coalition, Mamdani criticised the endorsements from Musk and Trump, arguing that they reflect fear of the change his campaign represents. According to live updates, Mamdani said:

“They fear the power of an example … that it need not be this hard to call this city home.” 

His campaign, riding polls that show him in the lead, has been framed as a historic moment for New York City—potentially reshaping its identity and leadership. 

Political Landscape & Stakes

Progressive vs Establishment

Mamdani’s win in the Democratic primary was seen as a major upset—a breaking point between the progressive wing and the centrist establishment of the Democratic Party. 

Many traditional Democratic figures hesitated to endorse him, worried about his socialist agenda and messaging.

External Interference

Notably, former President Trump also weighed in, endorsing Cuomo and warning that if Mamdani won, federal funding for New York might be withheld. 

The entry of national figures underscores how much this seemingly local race matters to broader political calculations.

What’s at stake for NYC

Voters in New York City are looking beyond personalities. Major issues include housing affordability, public safety, transit costs, economic inequality and the city’s post-pandemic recovery.

Mamdani’s agenda is bold: free buses, rent freezes, major tax changes. 

In contrast, Cuomo presents himself as experienced and as a figure of stability.

The Musk Endorsement in Context

Technology and Politics Colliding

Musk’s role is emblematic of how civic leadership and technology commerce increasingly overlap. He wasn’t just a passive observer—his post directly urged a vote for a candidate and mocked another.

Media and Public Reaction

The backlash was swift. Accusations of racism circulated online after Musk’s jibe at Mamdani’s name. Observers argued that mocking non-white names reflects deeper issues of bias. 

Tactical Voting and “Spoiler” Logic

By framing a vote for the Republican as a vote for Mamdani, Musk attempted to steer the electorate’s calculation. In a multi-candidate field with ranked choice voting implications, such messaging can sway the final outcome by influencing first-choice and transfer-vote dynamics.

Last-Minute Surge

Endorsements in the final hours of a campaign can influence mobilization and fundraising. Musk’s post, widely shared, may energize voters who align with his worldview—or trigger opposition mobilization among those offended by his tone.

What Happens Next?

Election Day for New York City’s mayor is November 4, 2025. The result will carry major significance:

• If Mamdani wins, he could become the city’s first Muslim and Indian-American mayor, a milestone in representation. 

• If Cuomo wins, it will signal a rejection of the progressive surge and reinforce establishment control.

• For Musk, the race presents both opportunity and risk: his involvement could win him influence if his candidate prevails—or backfire if the tone of his message energises his opponent’s base.

• The national parties will watch closely: New York’s mayoral race has implications for the 2026 elections and beyond, especially in how progressives fare in major urban centres.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who did Elon Musk endorse in the NYC Mayor Election 2025?

Elon Musk made a last-minute endorsement for business leader and independent candidate Mark Robinson, backing him as the best alternative to progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani.

2. Why did Elon Musk endorse a candidate in the NYC Mayor race?

Musk stated that his endorsement aimed to support pro-business, innovation-driven policies in New York City, emphasizing the need for “economic freedom and smart technology adoption” to revive the city’s infrastructure and job market.

3. Who is Zohran Mamdani, and why is he controversial?

Zohran Mamdani is a progressive Democrat and state assembly member known for his left-leaning policies on housing, taxation, and social equity. Critics, including Musk, argue that his policies could discourage investment and business growth in NYC.

4. When was the NYC Mayor Election 2025 held?

The NYC Mayor Election 2025 took place on November 3, 2025, with a record voter turnout and intense campaigning across all five boroughs of New York City.

5. How did Musk’s endorsement impact the election outcome?

Elon Musk’s endorsement sparked massive online discussions and influenced young voters and entrepreneurs, leading to a noticeable late surge in support for Mark Robinson in pre-election polls.

6. Has Elon Musk endorsed political candidates before?

Yes. Elon Musk has previously endorsed candidates who support innovation, entrepreneurship, and free-market policies, including in U.S. presidential and state-level elections.

7. What were Musk’s main criticisms of Zohran Mamdani?

Musk criticized Mamdani’s policies as being anti-business, warning that they could push companies and investors away from New York. He emphasized the need for “leadership that encourages startups, not drives them out.”

8. How did the public react to Musk’s endorsement?

The public reaction was mixed. Supporters praised Musk for “speaking up for economic sanity,” while critics accused him of using his influence to sway democratic processes. Social media debates trended under hashtags like #MuskForNYC and #MamdaniVsMusk.

9. What are the key issues shaping the NYC 2025 mayoral election?

Major issues include affordable housing, business regulations, climate resilience, technology infrastructure, and public safety — all of which became central to Musk’s endorsement message.

10. Could Musk’s political influence affect future elections?

Experts suggest Musk’s influence may continue to shape urban political debates, especially on innovation, technology policy, and economic development. His endorsements often generate nationwide attention and spark voter engagement.

  

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s last-minute intervention in the 2025 New York City mayoral election is far more than a celebrity tweet—it’s a calculated move in a high-stakes political game. By throwing his support behind Andrew Cuomo, mocking Zohran Mamdani and attempting to shape voter strategy, Musk entered the fray at the eleventh hour.

For the city’s residents, the race has become a referendum not only on leadership, but on ideas of affordability, justice, representation and the nature of change. And for observers around the world, the endorsement serves as a reminder: local elections can attract global attention, and the voices of billionaires can echo loudly in city hall corridors.

In the end, the true verdict will come on Election Day—but whether Musk’s intervention changes the result or merely intensifies the debate, one thing is clear: this contest has become emblematic of politics in the age of technology, wealth and identity.