Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is casting the New York City mayoral election as the epicenter of a “civil war” within the Democratic Party — one he says pits traditional Democrats like himself against Zohran Mamdani and the rising tide of democratic socialists.

Mr. Cuomo said Mr. Mamdani is the “banner carrier for the socialists” and the movement sees the mayor’s office as a symbolic power grab.

“They just want to win the mayoralty as a crown that says their movement is the dominant movement,” he said of the democratic socialists on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” “That is what this is about, but socialism does not work in New York City.”

Mr. Cuomo said that Mr. Mamdani’s platform — including higher taxes for the wealthy and corporations—would drive businesses out of the city.

“We’re about entrepreneurship and opportunity,” he said. “You raise taxes and demonize corporations, they will leave.”

The former governor, who resigned in 2021 amid allegations of sexual misconduct and mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, is attempting a political comeback as an independent candidate in the mayor’s race.

With just over a month until Election Day, Mr. Cuomo is trailing Mr. Mamdani, who defeated him by nearly 13 percentage points in June’s Democratic primary.

Mr. Mamdani’s campaign is focused on affordability and equity. He’s advocating for free child care, fare-free buses, city-run grocery stores, rent freezes and increased taxes on the top 1% and large corporations. He’s also warning voters that Mr. Cuomo is backed by President Trump and deep-pocketed donors who want to preserve the status quo.

Meanwhile, Mr. Cuomo is scrambling to consolidate support among moderate Democrats and anti-Mamdani voters. He’s questioning Mr. Mamdani’s readiness for the job, citing his age — 33 — and limited legislative experience. Mr. Mamdani has served in the state Assembly since 2021.

“Mayor of New York should not be your first job,” Mr. Cuomo said. “There is no time for on-the-job training when any given morning, God forbid, you could have a mass murder or a terrorist attack.”

Positioning himself as the pro-police, pro-business candidate, Mr. Cuomo warned that Mr. Mamdani’s policies could lead to “anarchy” in the city. He’s pledging to hire 5,000 additional police officers and build 50,000 affordable housing units annually.

“This is a very stark election,” Mr. Cuomo said.

• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.