Innovate NY, a political organization advocating for digital assets, has announced its endorsement of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race. The group, which describes itself as “pro-digital assets,” disclosed funding of nearly $100,000 to support Cuomo’s candidacy as early voting for the November 4 election is already underway.
In an official statement released Tuesday, Innovate NY highlighted Cuomo’s platform focused on advancing technologies such as blockchain, tokenization, public-benefit stablecoins, and artificial intelligence. The organization operates as an independent spender registered with the New York City Campaign Finance Board and has received $99,500 from six individuals via two companies as of midweek.
Campaign finance records reveal that Innovate NY allocated $30,000 towards the production of flyers promoting Cuomo’s campaign while opposing Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, who currently leads in multiple polls. These materials form part of the group’s efforts to influence voter sentiment on the important technology policies at stake in the election.
The NYC mayoral contest has attracted significant interest from the cryptocurrency and blockchain communities due to the city’s status as a major economic center and potential regulatory hub. Voters will ultimately decide among frontrunners Andrew Cuomo, Zohran Mamdani, and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa.
In the closing stretch of the campaign, Cuomo has actively courted crypto-savvy constituents by pledging to create an Innovation Council if elected. This council would include advisory panels specifically targeting crypto, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology sectors. Conversely, Mamdani has largely refrained from making digital assets a central issue, instead emphasizing concerns such as affordability of housing and childcare costs.
Current Mayor Eric Adams, who was one of the earliest New York City leaders to embrace blockchain and crypto initiatives, has raised the profile of digital assets during his administration. Adams hosted the city’s first crypto summit, established a digital advisory council, advocated for Bitcoin-backed municipal bonds, and signed an executive order to create a dedicated digital assets and blockchain office.
Adams announced in September that he will not seek a second term, paving the way for a new mayor to assume office on January 1, 2026. His efforts have left a lasting imprint on the city’s engagement with emerging technologies, a legacy that the upcoming mayoral administration will either continue or reshape.
