Bill Ackman Pledges Hundreds of Millions to Back Write-In Candidate, Urges Cuomo to Drop Out, Endorses Adams Against Zohran Mamdani

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has pledged to financially support a write-in candidate to challenge New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, promising hundreds of millions of dollars in backing for the right contender. Ackman and his wealthy associates are seeking a centrist or independent candidate capable of defeating Mamdani, whom they characterize as a democratic socialist. Initially considering backing one of the existing moderate candidates, Ackman has since called on Andrew Cuomo to withdraw from the race to consolidate support behind incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. After meeting with both Cuomo and Adams, Ackman expressed that Adams is better positioned to compete against Mamdani and has reluctantly endorsed him. Ackman's efforts reflect a strategic push by influential investors to prevent Mamdani's election in the upcoming November mayoral race.