Andrew Cuomo’s Comeback Bid: A High-Profile Fundraiser and the Road Ahead

A Breakfast Fundraiser with Powerhouse Women

New York City’s political landscape is heating up as former Governor Andrew Cuomo gears up for his mayoral campaign. In a bold move to kickstart his bid, a group of 110 influential women is hosting a high-profile breakfast fundraiser in his honor this Friday. The event has generated significant buzz, not just for its star-studded guest list but also for the sheer scale of support it represents. The invitation, which was obtained by Page Six, reveals an impressive lineup of attendees, including Tribeca Enterprises CEO Jane Rosenthal, producer of the film About a Boy, Renee Rockefeller, Patricia Duff, Serena Roosevelt, Margie Loeb, Tanya Zuckerbrot, Melissa DeRosa, Jen Bayer, Simone Levinson, Judith Hope, Jennifer Gilbert, Harriet Schleifer, and former Nassau County executive Laura Curran. These women are not just attending; they are actively rallying support for Cuomo’s campaign, showcasing the depth of his political network.

The event is not just about the food or the company—it’s a strategic move to energize Cuomo’s campaign. With individual tickets priced at $250 and chairperson opportunities going up to $10,000, the fundraiser is as much about raising funds as it is about making a statement. An insider revealed that the event has become so popular that organizers are now turning people away, a testament to the excitement surrounding Cuomo’s comeback. This level of enthusiasm is remarkable, especially given the challenges Cuomo faces in his bid to unseat incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.

A Collective of Powerhouse Women

The group of women behind the fundraiser is a force to be reckoned with. These are not just supporters; they are leaders in their own right, representing fields such as business, politics, and the arts. Jane Rosenthal, for instance, is not only a successful CEO but also a respected producer, having worked on projects like About a Boy. Renee Rockefeller, Patricia Duff, and Serena Roosevelt bring their own unique influence, whether through their philanthropic efforts or their ties to influential families. The inclusion of Melissa DeRosa, a former top aide to Cuomo, adds a layer of political savvy to the event, highlighting the strategic nature of this gathering.

The presence of Cuomo’s family members—matriarch Matilda Raffa Cuomo, sister Maria Cuomo Cole, sister-in-law Cristina Greeven Cuomo, and his three daughters, Cara, Mariah, and Michaela—adds a personal touch to the event. This is not just a political rally; it’s a family affair. The involvement of his loved ones underscores the personal stakes of this campaign for Cuomo, who is determined to rebuild his political career after a tumultuous few years. The combination of powerhouse women and family support creates a formidable team that could play a crucial role in shaping Cuomo’s mayoral bid.

An Exclusive and Buzzworthy Event

While the fundraiser is one of several high-profile events being hosted in support of Cuomo—others include soirees by Equinix executive chairman Charles Meyers and Barbra Streisand’s public relations expert Ken Sunshine—it’s this particular event that has tongues wagging. The buzz around the breakfast fundraiser is undeniable, with insiders describing how quickly the event took off. “Once a small group started talking about this event, it took off,” said one insider. “We’re now having to turn people away.” This level of interest suggests that Cuomo’s campaign is resonating with a wide range of supporters, from political insiders to influential figures in the business and arts communities.

The exclusivity of the event—coupled with the high-profile attendance—is likely to generate even more buzz in the coming days. With such a strong showing of support, Cuomo’s campaign is sending a clear message: he is a serious contender in the mayoral race, and he has the backing of some of the city’s most influential women. This event is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a statement of intent.

Building Momentum in the Mayoral Race

Cuomo’s mayoral campaign is gaining momentum, and the fundraiser is just one piece of a larger strategy. The Post has reported that Cuomo is assembling a team of seasoned political veterans, many of whom have worked with him in the past. This move is a clear indication that Cuomo is pulling out all the stops in his bid to unseat Mayor Eric Adams. The former governor has already made waves with his campaign kickoff event last Sunday, where he defended his controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic—a topic that is sure to be a focal point of his campaign.

The breakfast fundraiser is just one of many efforts to build momentum for Cuomo’s bid. With a team of experienced political operatives and a growing list of high-profile endorsers, Cuomo is signaling that he is ready to fight for the mayor’s office. The question now is whether this momentum will be enough to overcome the challenges he faces in the competitive Democratic primary.

A Competitive Democratic Primary Field

The Democratic primary for the New York City mayoral race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Cuomo is just one of several high-profile candidates vying for the nomination. Other contenders include state Senators Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie, city Comptroller Brad Lander, state Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, former Assemblyman Michael Blake, former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, and financier Whitney Tilson. Each of these candidates brings their own unique perspective and political base to the race, making it a challenging but dynamic field.

Cuomo’s entry into the race adds another layer of complexity. His reputation as a seasoned politician with a track record of dealing with the city’s challenges could resonate with voters. However, his past controversies—ranging from his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to allegations of misconduct—could also alienate some voters. The breakfast fundraiser and the support of these 110 women are important steps in his efforts to reintroduce himself to voters and redefine his political narrative.

In the end, the success of Cuomo’s mayoral bid will depend on his ability to build a coalition of supporters that transcends his past controversies. The breakfast fundraiser is a promising start, but the road to City Hall is long, and the competition is fierce. As the Democratic primary heats up, all eyes will be on Cuomo and whether he can harness this momentum to secure the nomination.