NOTE: This piece was first published on NYNewsPress.com.
By Richard Luthmann
New York City’s mayoral race took a dramatic turn as Eric Adams saw federal charges against him dismissed.
But insiders say the real story isn’t about Adams—it’s about Donald Trump’s desire to wreck Andrew Cuomo’s chances of taking over City Hall.
This explosive analysis of NYC's mayoral race strategy comes straight from The Unknown Podcast, where investigative journalists Richard Luthmann and Michael Volpe dissect underreported political maneuvers and expose hidden agendas.
Their latest episode unraveled the strategic games behind Adams’ legal troubles and the broader implications for New York politics.
Adams Walks Free, But At What Cost?
Federal prosecutors dropped their case against Mayor Adams, citing a “lack of evidence” and “unreliable testimony” from key witnesses. But critics argue this was a calculated political maneuver.
“There were plenty of reasons to let Adams twist in the wind,” Roger Stone said, questioning why Trump’s DOJ allowed the embattled mayor off the hook.
Adams, once a darling of the Democratic establishment, found himself abandoned as corruption allegations mounted. With his approval ratings tanking and a primary challenge looming, many saw him as a dead man walking.
But now, with the charges gone and the prospect of 8 to 1 matching funds being restored, he remains a viable candidate, blocking Cuomo from easily walking into City Hall.
Cuomo’s Comeback: Slowed Down
Andrew Cuomo, forced to resign as governor in 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations, has been hinting at a political comeback.
Recent reports more than suggest he’s eyeing the mayor’s office as his way back to power.
Cuomo has openly feuded with Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee from 2021, and positioned himself as the anti-Adams alternative.
But Adams’ survival means Cuomo’s path isn’t so clear. Without a wounded Adams to steamroll in a primary, Cuomo faces a much tougher fight.
According to sources close to the former president, Trump’s fingerprints are all over this.
“Trump doesn’t care about Adams,” said one GOP strategist. “But he does care about immigration enforcement and keeping Cuomo out.”
The GOP’s Problem: Sliwa is a Mistake
Republicans have their own issues. Curtis Sliwa, the founder of Guardian Angels, appears to be the Republican choice for mayor again. But many in the party see him as a mistake rather than a serious contender.
“Curtis Sliwa is a joke candidate,” Luthmann said. “He can’t win against Adams. He can’t win against Cuomo. He can’t win against anybody.”
Instead, Luthmann and other insiders believe the GOP should have backed Andrea Catsimatidis, the chairwoman of the Manhattan Republican Party and daughter of billionaire John Catsimatidis.
“She would be a real challenger,” one Republican operative said. “If there’s a way to make the switch, it should happen.”
Malliotakis: The Power Broker Blueprint
Andrea Catsimatidis wouldn’t be the first Republican to use a mayoral run to gain greater power. Nicole Malliotakis ran against Bill de Blasio in 2017 and lost, but she used that race to establish herself as a GOP force.
Malliotakis, now a congresswoman, is one of the most powerful Republicans in New York. Her campaign against de Blasio gave her name recognition, credibility, and a launchpad into national politics.
“She’s the most influential Republican in NYC, maybe even New York State,” a GOP strategist said. “Every dollar of the City’s federal funding passes over her desk. They come from all quarters to kiss her ass.”
Catsimatidis could follow the same path. A strong mayoral run could position her for a Senate bid or a statewide office even if she doesn’t win.
The Bottom Line
Trump’s DOJ may have saved Adams, but only to slow Cuomo down.
Meanwhile, the GOP needs to ditch Sliwa and get behind a candidate who can compete.
The next few months will determine NYC's mayoral race strategy. The question is whether Republicans can capitalize on this—or if they’re just joining the Democratic fight for power.
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