In the latest flare-up in New York’s volatile political landscape, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has publicly accused Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani of deliberately misleading New Yorkers on key issues—branding the Queens lawmaker a “liar” in a fiery interview and calling on the public to “just listen” to the facts.

Cuomo’s sharp rebuke comes amid ongoing ideological battles within the Democratic Party, where moderates like Cuomo find themselves increasingly at odds with progressive insurgents like Mamdani. But this exchange isn’t just another instance of political bickering—Cuomo’s accusation raises serious questions about truth, messaging, and the responsibilities of elected officials in an era of misinformation.

So, what exactly did Mamdani say that provoked Cuomo’s outrage? Is there any substance behind the former governor’s allegations? And what does this clash reveal about the deeper rift brewing within New York’s Democratic coalition?

The Flashpoint: Housing and “Good Cause Eviction”

The immediate cause of Cuomo’s accusation stems from Assemblymember Mamdani’s vocal support for Good Cause Eviction”—a progressive housing policy designed to limit landlords’ ability to evict tenants without justifiable reasons, and to cap annual rent increases.

Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has positioned himself as one of the loudest champions of tenant rights in Albany. He has publicly criticized past administrations—particularly Cuomo’s—for enabling real estate interests and failing to deliver lasting protections for renters.

In a recent town hall and subsequent media appearances, Mamdani accused Cuomo of “siding with landlords” and working behind the scenes to weaken or block Good Cause Eviction legislation during his time as governor. In Mamdani’s words: “Cuomo was a shield for the real estate industry. If you want to know why we’re in a housing crisis, look no further than his years in office.”

Cuomo Fires Back: “He’s Lying to You”

It didn’t take long for Cuomo to respond.

In a rare public appearance on a local radio show, Cuomo directly addressed Mamdani’s comments, labeling them asdishonest political theater.” He said:

Assemblyman Mamdani is lying to New Yorkers. Full stop. Just listen to what he says—it’s fiction dressed up as activism. He wants people to believe I was a puppet for landlords. That’s false, and the record proves it.”

Cuomo defended his administration’s housing record, pointing to investments in affordable housing, rent control reforms in 2019 (which passed under his leadership), and emergency eviction moratoriums during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Was it perfect? No,” Cuomo admitted. “But to suggest I was blocking tenant protections is a flat-out lie. These folks think shouting louder makes them right. It doesn’t.”

Breaking Down the Accusations

To evaluate whether Mamdani is truly “lying,” as Cuomo asserts, it’s necessary to look at both the policy record and the political context.

Under Cuomo’s tenure:

Over $20 billion was committed to affordable housing and homelessness initiatives across New York.

In 2019, landmark tenant protection legislation passed, strengthening rent stabilization and restricting landlords from abusing loopholes.

During the pandemic, Cuomo implemented statewide eviction moratoriums and created emergency rental assistance programs.

However, progressive critics argue that Cuomo only acted under pressure, and that his relationships with large developers and real estate donors influenced housing policy behind the scenes. They highlight:

Cuomo’s acceptance of campaign contributions from the real estate sector.

His delays in distributing rental relief funds, which drew criticism from tenant advocacy groups.

His alleged opposition to Good Cause Eviction, which never made it out of committee during his time in office.

In other words, both Cuomo and Mamdani can point to facts that support their narratives—but calling it an outright “lie” may oversimplify a far more nuanced policy debate.

Who is Zohran Mamdani?

To understand the full picture, it’s worth examining who Mamdani is and why his rhetoric resonates with many New Yorkers.

The Ugandan-born, Queens-based Assemblymember represents one of the most diverse and economically pressured districts in the state. A proud member of the DSA, Mamdani has built his political career on championing working-class issues, particularly housing justice, transit access, and immigrant rights.

Since his election in 2020, Mamdani has positioned himself as adisruptor within the Democratic establishment, pushing legislation that challenges entrenched interests—including his own party’s leadership.

To his supporters, Mamdani is telling the hard truths that others won’t. To his critics, including Cuomo, he’s engaging in ideological grandstanding, ignoring political realities in favor of messaging.

A Party Divided

The Cuomo-Mamdani spat is more than just personal—it underscores adeepening ideological divide within the Democratic Party, especially in New York.

Moderates, like Cuomo, argue that pragmatic governance—built on compromise, fiscal responsibility, and coalition-building—is what delivers real results.

Progressives, like Mamdani, believe that bold, structural changes are needed, even if it means clashing with the party’s establishment.

These differences have led to contentious primaries, rival slates of candidates, and heated battles over legislation from climate to criminal justice to housing.

Political analyst Jada Thompson of NYU describes it this way:

We are witnessing a generational and ideological realignment. Mamdani represents a newer, activist-driven base that sees compromise as complicity. Cuomo represents an older guard, focused on wielding institutional power. Neither side is inherently wrong—but the infighting risks paralyzing the party.”

Public Reactions: Who’s Telling the Truth?

On social media, reactions to Cuomo’s remarks were swift—and divided.

Progressive activists accused Cuomo of deflecting from his own record and attempting a political comeback by attacking popular left-wing lawmakers.

Moderate Democrats praised Cuomo’s takedown, arguing that Mamdani and his DSA allies frequently “distort the truth” for political gain.

Political independents questioned why either side was fighting in public instead of working together to solve the housing crisis.

The broader electorate seems frustrated, with many New Yorkers expressing fatigue over the constant infighting in Albany while rents, crime, and costs of living continue to rise.

Cuomo’s Return—or Retaliation?

Some speculate that Cuomo’s recent media appearances—including this jab at Mamdani—are part of a slow and calculated rebranding effort. Since resigning in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations (which he continues to deny), Cuomo has hinted at a political comeback—possibly running as an independent or mounting legal challenges to clear his name.

Taking on prominent progressive lawmakers may be part of a broader strategy to reclaim the center—portraying himself as a rational alternative to what he describes as a “party hijacked by extremists.”

If that’s true, Mamdani may have just become an unintentional pawn in Cuomo’s attempted re-entry into public life.

What Comes Next?

Neither Mamdani nor Cuomo has shown signs of backing down. In a tweet responding to Cuomo’s remarks, Mamdani doubled down:

The truth threatens those who built power by hiding it. I stand by every word I said—and so do thousands of tenants fighting for their homes.”

Cuomo, for his part, ended the interview with a pointed remark:

People can say whatever they want. But if you care about the truth, just listen—and check the record.”

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, clashes like this may become more frequent. Whether it’s housing, climate, or public safety, the battle over what kind of Democratic Party New York wants to be is far from over.

Conclusion: More Than a War of Words

Andrew Cuomo’s accusation that Mamdani is “lying” to New Yorkers is a headline-grabbing moment—but it’s also symbolic of something larger: a party grappling with its future, its values, and its identity.

Whether you side with Cuomo’s pragmatism or Mamdani’s activism, one thing is clear—the debate over how to lead, who to believe, and what kind of truth matters will shape New York politics for years to come.