Cuomo telling NYC powerbrokers he’s running for mayor if special election is called: sources

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is telling city power-brokers he will run for mayor of New York City should Mayor Adams be forced from office, sources told The Post.

Earlier this week, Cuomo met with attorney and longtime Brooklyn Democratic poobah Frank Seddio, and said he was in it to win it if Adams leaves his post — a move which would trigger a nonpartisan special election.

Cuomo has "told several people I know he's running," said one insider familiar with the discussions. "He [also] told real estate folks ... that he's running for sure in a special [election]."

But Cuomo's plans are less certain if he has to face off against the incumbent.

"He's not determined if he's running in a primary if Eric Adams is in it," the source said.

A second city powerbroker said Cuomo allies had been hitting him up to schedule a meeting, leaving him with the impression Cuomo was "definitely" running if there is a special election.

Cuomo has also reached out to tell high-profile real estate and construction honchos of his plans, insiders said. He is reportedly in talks with the political consulting shop Mercury Public Affairs.

Adams was indicted this week on federal bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud charges — throwing his future into doubt. The mayor has vowed to stay in office, insisting he's the victim of a political hit job by the feds because he criticized their handling of the migrant crisis.

With virtually universal name recognition in New York and a large war-chest of campaign cash left over from his days as governor, Cuomo would be well-positioned for a special election, one that would likely be quick and chaotic.

"Governor Cuomo has spent a lifetime in public service fighting and delivering for the people of New York and will do whatever he can to help. That said, the speculation is premature as Governor Cuomo believes Mayor Adams is entitled to due process," said longtime Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi.

Cuomo was forced from office in the wake of a sexual misconduct scandal in 2021. A US Department of Justice probe released this year determined he had sexually harassed at least 13 female employees and retaliated against ex-staff.

Cuomo has vigorously disputed the DOJ findings.

Since leaving office, Cuomo has moved to the political center, coming out sharply against the Defund the Police movement and has blasted the migrant crisis in New York as a "government blunder."

Should a special election take place, he would likely offer a sharp contrast to many prominent progressive candidates, including city Comptroller Brad Lander and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.