Eric Adams has received a subpoena in the stretched-out federal investigation into his 2021 campaign — and Andrew Cuomo is watching closely. Cuomo has toyed with running for mayor next year, calling influencers and donors, currying favor with Jews wary of antisemitic attacks and working the phones to keep himself in the political conversation. And Cuomo, who resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior — accusations he denies — would have to overcome the baggage of leaving office in scandal. The real redemption prize for him would be governor, of course. He feels wronged by his forced exit, as evidenced by his posture in ongoing litigation and the public statements of his closest aides. It makes sense: Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approval rating is underwhelming, Cuomo’s appeal in suburban enclaves wouldn’t come through in a New York City primary and if he won, he would reclaim a mantle he felt was wrongly yanked from. But 2026 is a long way away for the restless Democrat, who recently signaled he has an apartment (somewhere) in New York City. So Cuomo has kept his eye on Adams and his ongoing legal problems that have played out in fits and starts in the press since FBI raids into some of his advisors last November. Things had slowed until The New York Times reported Thursday night that Adams and others at City Hall received subpoenas in July and the probe appears to be nearing its conclusion. In response, the mayor’s lawyers issued a statement indicating they had done an internal probe of their own. “To be clear, we have not identified any evidence of illegal conduct by the mayor,” the WilmerHale partners, Brendan McGuire and Boyd Johnson, said in the statement. “To the contrary, we have identified extensive evidence undermining the reported theories of federal prosecution as to the mayor, which we have voluntarily shared with the US Attorney.” Adams this afternoon stuck to familiar talking points: His team is cooperating, he does not believe he did anything wrong and he hopes the probe will conclude quickly. He contends it is having no effect on his ability to run the city. "It takes a great deal of discipline to defend yourself, when you know you have done nothing wrong. But I trust my team,” Adams said at an unrelated press conference. Neither Adams’ lawyers nor his press office would divulge who in City Hall received a subpoena. The mayor’s team also declined to provide any details about what information federal investigators are seeking. So where does that leave Cuomo? Word on the political street changes like the weather but it boils down to this: Cuomo would consider running for mayor if he sees a path, but understands Adams’ pull with Black voters who are key to Cuomo’s own electoral math. And while some Cuomo loyalists point to Adams’ sinking poll numbers overall — and specifically with Black voters — the mayor hasn’t begun campaigning for reelection in earnest. Cuomo and Adams would court similar donors from the city’s business community who hold affection for both men who share views on public safety and support for Israel. Adams has a compelling bio and long relationships in areas that turn out tons of votes in low-participation city primaries. Polls show he is unpopular, and confidence in his leadership has sunk, but as things stand today he likely remains competitive in southeast Queens, central Brooklyn and Harlem. Al Sharpton already penned an op-ed warning challengers of trying to make the city’s second Black mayor a one-termer like David Dinkins. Cuomo’s allies insist they are unfazed by Sharpton’s warning shot. Still, the Democrat has long signaled he would not want to jump into a race against Adams. There is also confidence within Cuomo’s orbit that he is working on a different timetable, given his near-universal name ID. Cuomo told Bill Maher in July there would be “no direct answer” when asked if he’s running for governor or mayor. “I have no current plans to make plans,” he said on the HBO show. And his team wants to signal he is keeping his options open. “People have been talking to him about mayor, people have been talking to him about governor,” a person close to the former governor said. — Sally Goldenberg, Nick Reisman, Joe Anuta | 
