By Key Points
- Cuomo pushes to make NYC a crypto innovation hub
- Promises a Chief Innovation Officer to lead tech reform
- Faces backlash for past ties to troubled crypto exchange OKX
- Zohran Mamdani still leads, but Cuomo gains post-Adams exit
Andrew Cuomo is making a bold move in the NYC mayoral race, he’s turning to crypto and AI to rewrite the city’s future. In the wake of Mayor Eric Adams exiting the race, the Cuomo Crypto strategy now positions him as the most tech-forward candidate left standing.
Cuomo’s plan is simple: turn New York City into a global innovation hub by embracing blockchain, artificial intelligence, and biotech. At the core of this strategy is the creation of a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) role to drive this transformation across city departments.
The officer would oversee a citywide initiative to promote high-skill jobs, reduce bureaucracy, and support regulatory alignment for emerging tech.
Eleanor Terrett of Crypto America reports that Cuomo intends for the CIO to streamline digital innovation while attracting global talent and capital.
The Cuomo Crypto plan seeks to place NYC on par with Silicon Valley and other global tech capitals by modernizing outdated city infrastructure.
While the proposal sounds promising to some, others are skeptical. Critics say it might just be another campaign ploy, especially since Cuomo hasn’t been a long-standing advocate for crypto until now.
Still, the timing of this announcement couldn’t be more strategic. With Adams out of the race, Cuomo becomes the only candidate with a forward-looking digital policy, a critical point as New York lags behind other U.S. cities in tech integration.
This comes at a time when regulators are cracking down on crypto missteps, like the Paxos minting error that sparked NYDFS intervention, making innovation and compliance top priorities.
Cuomo Crypto Past Raises Questions as Race Tightens
Cuomo’s renewed interest in crypto is not coming out of nowhere. The Cuomo Crypto relationship goes back years, albeit under complex circumstances. His previous consulting work for OKX, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, is now under the spotlight.
A Bloomberg investigation earlier this year revealed that Cuomo served as a paid adviser to OKX while it was being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI.
His job? Guide the exchange on regulatory matters and help manage the legal fallout. He even reportedly pushed OKX to hire Linda Lacewell, his former state financial regulator and longtime ally, as their new legal head.
Andrew Cuomo could’ve spent the years since his resignation making amends and helping New Yorkers.
Instead he hounded the women who spoke out about his serial harassment, fought to keep his book deal millions…and advised a foreign crypto exchange that broke US law. pic.twitter.com/kBxkNGdrgA
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) April 2, 2025
These revelations are casting a shadow over the Cuomo Crypto narrative. Critics argue that his involvement with a company fined $504 million for compliance violations could undermine his credibility.
Cuomo’s team defends his record. They say his work with OKX was legal, above board, and did not involve lobbying any New York agencies. According to them, the Cuomo Crypto experience only proves his deep understanding of the sector and its regulatory complexities.
But the optics are tough to ignore. His critics, including supporters of opponent Zohran Mamdani, argue that Cuomo is trying to use crypto as a smokescreen to distract from past controversies.
New York Mayoral Election Polls. Source: Polymarket – Techtokens
Mamdani, who currently leads in most polls, has not made crypto a focus in his campaign. That contrast makes Cuomo Crypto a defining issue in the race.
Meanwhile, New York’s crypto-savvy voters are closely watching the market landscape. As crypto whales move $1.5 billion in ETH, and Bitcoin drops 17% but Arthur Hayes urges investors to buy, leadership on digital finance becomes more relevant than ever.
Can Cuomo Crypto Strategy Sway NYC Voters?
Cuomo’s supporters say his experience, both in public office and in the private sector, makes him the ideal candidate to lead a digital revolution in New York. MoonPay President Keith Grossman publicly endorsed the Cuomo Crypto vision, stating:
“You may not agree with everything he’s done, but his ability to deliver results is proven.”
Grossman’s comments reflect a broader sentiment in the Web3 community: if NYC wants to compete globally, it needs a leader who understands both governance and innovation.
Supporters of the Cuomo Crypto plan believe it’s not just about Web3. The strategy integrates AI, biotechnology, and financial technology into one cohesive urban development model.
The goal is to turn NYC into a high-tech capital that welcomes startups, fosters research, and implements forward-thinking regulations.
But it’s still a gamble.
Voters remain divided. On one hand, they’re intrigued by Cuomo’s new vision for a modern NYC.
New York City has never been afraid of big ideas or hard work. But lately, it feels like the city that once set the standard for ambition is struggling to meet its own. We face real challenges – safety, cleanliness, infrastructure, education and the rising cost of living. These… https://t.co/LD1TQQqmPn
— Keith A. Grossman (@KeithGrossman) October 19, 2025
On the other hand, they’re cautious of what some call political opportunism. Is the Cuomo Crypto push a genuine effort to lead New York into the future, or just a convenient campaign narrative?
Even those who like the idea wonder whether he would actually have the power to implement such sweeping changes. After all, city governance is complex, and creating real impact takes more than a catchy policy pitch.
And with lingering concerns over exchange security, especially following events like the XRP recovery firm hacks and the long-awaited Mt. Gox Bitcoin repayment deadline, voters are asking tougher questions about transparency, trust, and leadership.
Yet, the Cuomo Crypto stance has created a clear distinction between him and Mamdani. As Mamdani plays it safe, Cuomo is going all in on tech. In a city craving innovation and economic revival, that boldness might just resonate.
What is your reaction?
