Hochul turns on the sarcasm for Mike Lawler

With help from Amira McKee

🚨 🚨 — “Trump Weighs Getting Involved in New York City Mayor Race,” by NYT’s Nicholas Fandos, Jeremy W. Peters, Maggie Haberman and Katherine Rosman: “President Trump may have moved out of New York City, but he has privately discussed whether to intercede in its fractious race for mayor to try to stop Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, according to eight people briefed on the discussions.” (More below)

CRY ME A RIVER:

As Governor Kathy Hochul presses forward with her ambitious plan to redraw New York’s congressional lines in favor of Democrats, she’s taken a moment to express her profound sympathy for the Republicans who might find themselves sidelined in the process. “I feel really sad,” she lamented when confronted with the potential loss of GOP seats in her gerrymandering efforts.

Hochul, alongside California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, has taken a bold stance in the escalating redistricting conflict, pledging to reshape their states’ maps following President Trump’s call for Texas to add five more GOP seats. It seems that in the game of political chess, Hochul is ready to counter with her own strategic moves.

But fear not, for there is a glimmer of hope, or so Hochul suggests. Enter Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who she claims possesses the “political power” to end partisan gerrymandering with his upcoming federal legislation aimed at banning the practice nationwide. However, this sentiment appears laced with irony, as Hochul does not genuinely believe Lawler wields the influence he might think.

“Sike!” she quipped, revealing that her sorrow for GOP representatives is as genuine as a three-dollar bill. Hochul’s push for redistricting is unwavering, and she is more than willing to call out Republicans like Lawler to take a stand against their own party’s reshuffling in Texas. “You started it. You end it,” she challenged, boldly setting the stage for a titanic political showdown.

On Tuesday, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin encouraged fellow Democratic governors to consider similar maneuvers, while Missouri, known for its Republican stronghold, may soon become another battleground in this gerrymandering war.

TRUMP EYES NYC MAYOR’S RACE:

In a twist that could only be described as quintessentially Trump, the former president is reportedly “very interested” in the New York City mayoral race. This revelation comes from Republican billionaire John Catsimatidis, who enjoys a friendly rapport with both former Governor Andrew Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams.

“He’s a New York guy, he grew up in New York,” Catsimatidis remarked after dining with Trump, suggesting that the former president’s interest lies in maintaining a high quality of life in the city and reversing its population decline.

While Trump has yet to commit to a specific role in the race, Catsimatidis has urged him to hold off on any decisions until September. This comes amid speculation that Trump discussed the mayoral race during a closed-door meeting with Lawler last month, where he seemed more interested in identifying a viable candidate than endorsing anyone outright.

The dynamics of the race are further complicated by Cuomo’s ambitions, as he pushes for a unified opposition against Mamdani, who has emerged as a frontrunner in the polls.

ANDREW CUOMO, THE REPLY GUY:

If you’ve been avoiding social media, you may have missed Andrew Cuomo’s recent deluge of posts on X (formerly known as Twitter). Since Monday, the former governor has tweeted feverishly, making headlines for everything from expressing gratitude to a user with the handle “Andrew Cuomo is a Sex Pest,” to calling for a boycott of property in Uganda due to its treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Cuomo’s return to the digital stage marks a stark contrast to the careful and coordinated campaign he ran just a couple of months prior. His barrage of posts, totaling over 35 in just two days, reflects a new approach, seemingly aimed at engaging with a younger demographic after his defeat to Mamdani in the Democratic primary.

Rich Azzopardi, a spokesperson for Cuomo, humorously referenced a fictitious character from the past as the mastermind behind this social media strategy, suggesting that perhaps a youthful touch has been added to the former governor’s communications.

Interestingly, this new tone has garnered attention from various influencers, including MAGA supporter Laura Loomer, who expressed her approval of Cuomo’s Uganda-focused activism.

NO MATCHING FUNDS FOR ADAMS:

In a significant setback for Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Campaign Finance Board has denied him millions in matching funds for his general election campaign. The board cited Adams’ failure to submit required paperwork and potential violations of campaign laws as the basis for their decision, leaving him at a considerable disadvantage.

Adams, who exited the Democratic primary after a controversial bribery case dismissal, is now vying for the general election as an independent. This funding denial comes at a critical juncture, as he faces a crowded field that includes Cuomo and other independents, all of whom are eager to capitalize on the mayor’s weakened position.

Without the financial resources to compete effectively, Adams faces the grim reality of an uphill battle, necessitating a prolonged fundraising effort that his opponents may not have to endure.

His campaign has yet to release a statement regarding this latest blow from the finance board.

— PAC CASH: The pro-Adams PAC, Empower NYC, has raised $1 million in support of the mayor’s long-shot reelection bid, including backing from crypto industry donors. (City and State)

— NUCLEAR OPTION: Hochul’s administration is advocating for the continued subsidization of New York’s aging nuclear facilities until 2050. (POLITICO Pro)

— RYDER’S LAW: The recent death of a New York City carriage horse has reignited calls for City Hall to phase out horse-drawn carriages. (CBS News)

Missed this morning’s New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.