Cuomo calls NYC mayoral rival 'dangerous,' warns socialism would be 'death knell' for city

"The primaries get the most active, often on the Democratic side, the most far-left people to come out to vote, and he mobilized the 20- to 30-year-olds, the socialists. The socialist organizations across the country sent volunteers, sent funding," Cuomo said, rationalizing Mamdani's Democratic primary win. 

The former governor, who is running as an independent candidate after losing to Mamdani in June, said the general election electorate is "much different."

"New York City people are not socialists," Cuomo said. "They're not anti-business people. They're not anti-corporate people. They want jobs. They want growth."

New York City was "built on capitalism," Cuomo said. 

Mamdani plans to pay for his ambitious policy agenda, which includes free buses, no-cost healthcare and city-run grocery stores, by raising taxes on the 1% and corporations. 

His plan includes raising the corporate tax rate to 11.5% and taxing the wealthiest 1% of New Yorkers 2%, according to Mamdani's campaign website. 

Meanwhile, Cuomo explained that his "pro-growth development strategy" focuses on attracting and building businesses and is central to Cuomo's campaign. 

"Too many businesses, as you know, have moved out of New York. So, number one, get more businesses here and grow the businesses that are here," Cuomo explained. 

In addition to building businesses in New York City, Cuomo said he is focused on public safety and affordable housing. 

According to Cuomo's campaign website, the former governor wants to add 5,000 new police officers to the New York Police Department (NYPD). He told Fox News that he plans to add 1,500 officers to the patrol subways.

And to provide more affordable housing, Cuomo said he plans to add 50,000 new units per year, which will "add to the supply and meet the demand."

Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani for a response to Cuomo's comments but did not immediately hear back.