As New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary approaches on June 24, 2025, frontrunner Andrew Cuomo faces mounting criticism over his media engagement strategy. Veteran journalists Brian Lehrer and Errol Louis, who are set to moderate the upcoming Democratic primary debate, have publicly rebuked Cuomo for sidestepping local media in favor of national outlets. They argue that his approach undermines transparency and accountability, particularly on pressing city-specific issues like housing affordability and public safety.
Cuomo, the former governor of New York, has largely limited his media appearances to national platforms, avoiding interviews with local journalists and declining participation in forums where he would face direct questioning from New York-based reporters. This strategy has drawn comparisons to a “Rose Garden” campaign, wherein a candidate minimizes public exposure to avoid scrutiny. Critics contend that such an approach is ill-suited for a city grappling with complex challenges that require open dialogue and local engagement.
Lehrer and Louis, both respected figures in New York media, emphasize the importance of candidates engaging with local press to address the nuanced concerns of city residents. They argue that bypassing local media outlets not only alienates voters but also hampers the democratic process by limiting the public’s access to information about a candidate’s policies and positions.
The issue of media engagement has become a focal point in the mayoral race, reflecting broader concerns about political communication and voter engagement in the era of ranked-choice voting. With a crowded field of Democratic candidates, including progressive Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and City Comptroller Brad Lander, the need for transparent and accessible campaigning is paramount.
Cuomo’s avoidance of local media has also drawn criticism from his opponents. During the first televised debate, several candidates seized the opportunity to challenge Cuomo on his record and his reluctance to engage with the press. Assemblymember Michael Blake accused Cuomo of being a threat to women’s safety, referencing past allegations of misconduct. Cuomo, for his part, defended his record and dismissed the attacks as politically motivated.
Despite the controversy, Cuomo continues to lead in the polls, buoyed by strong name recognition and a base of loyal supporters. However, his media strategy may pose risks as the primary approaches. In a city where local issues dominate the political discourse, a candidate’s willingness to engage with local media can significantly influence public perception and voter confidence.
The upcoming debate, moderated by Lehrer and Louis, presents an opportunity for Cuomo to address these concerns directly. His participation and responsiveness to local media inquiries will be closely watched as indicators of his commitment to transparency and accountability. For voters, the debate offers a chance to assess the candidates’ positions on critical issues and their willingness to engage in open, substantive dialogue.
As the race intensifies, the role of local media in shaping the electoral narrative remains crucial. Journalists like Lehrer and Louis continue to advocate for a political environment where candidates are accessible, accountable, and responsive to the communities they seek to serve. Their criticism of Cuomo’s media strategy underscores the importance of local journalism in fostering an informed and engaged electorate.
