Andrew Cuomo Warns Zohran Mamdani Would Make NYC ‘The Prostitution Capital Of The Country’

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo intensified his attacks on New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani on Monday, warning that Mamdani’s past support for decriminalizing prostitution would make the city “the prostitution capital of the country.”

As Fox News reported, Cuomo, who is running for mayor as an independent after losing the June Democratic primary to Mamdani, claimed the 33-year-old state lawmaker from Queens is avoiding direct answers on the controversial issue.

At a campaign event Sunday, Mamdani was asked about criticism from Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is also seeking re-election as an independent, over his stance on prostitution.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

Mamdani did not address the policy directly, instead saying his campaign’s focus was on affordability, safety, and dignity for New Yorkers.

Cuomo argued the response was evasive.

“He was asked yesterday if he would direct the NYPD to stop making prostitution arrests. He didn’t say yes or no but suggested he’d emulate former Mayor Bill de Blasio.”

“If you listen to him, and you look to his policies, he’s going to be de Blasio 2.0, and I believe that’s the last thing this city needs.”

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Prostitution arrests dropped sharply during de Blasio’s administration, and Mamdani previously co-sponsored bills to decriminalize sex work statewide after first campaigning on the issue in 2020.

Advocates for decriminalization argue it reduces exploitation and violence against sex workers, while critics point to studies showing higher crime and human trafficking rates in places where prostitution is legalized.

Cuomo visited Queens’ Roosevelt Avenue corridor earlier Monday, where he said local businesses and residents voiced concerns over visible street prostitution.

“There were signs of prostitution on the street. I spoke to store owners. They are very concerned about it. They think it’s destructive for their business, destructive for their neighborhood, it’s a bad influence on children,” Cuomo said.

Cuomo’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Mamdani’s past positions. In 2021, while serving as governor, Cuomo signed a bill that repealed statutes against loitering for the purpose of prostitution, though he said Monday he did not recall the legislation.

Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, would become New York City’s first Muslim and first millennial mayor if elected.

His campaign has drawn support from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

His platform emphasizes affordability, including proposals for tuition-free CUNY education, rent freezes on municipal housing, free childcare for children up to age five, and government-run grocery stores.

Mayor Adams has also attacked Mamdani’s record on prostitution, telling reporters Sunday:

“I don’t know where in his Quran it states that it’s OK for a woman to be on the streets selling their body. I don’t know what Quran he is reading.”

Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, co-founder of the Guardian Angels, will also be on the November ballot, as will independent candidate Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor. Polls show Mamdani as the current frontrunner in a heavily Democratic city.

The Mamdani campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Cuomo’s remarks.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.