MGM Board Member Barry Diller Backs Andrew Cuomo for New York City Mayor

Media tycoon and MGM Resorts International board member Barry Diller has shown his support for former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming New York City mayoral election. Diller’s endorsement stems from his gratitude for Cuomo’s help to develop Little Island, a public park project on the Hudson River. Diller and his wife, fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg, played a key role in funding this project.

Barry Diller Criticizes Current NY Mayor and Democratic Leadership

In a closed-door talk with employees at IAC, the digital media firm he leads, Diller said he owed Cuomo for helping to push the Little Island project past red tape. He also showed faith in Cuomo’s skills to run the city, saying he would be a good mayor, reported the New York Post. At the same time, he took shots at the current Mayor Eric Adams hinting that he does not think Adams will stick around for long.

Cuomo threw his hat in the ring for the Democratic mayoral elections set for June 24, positioning himself as a strong contender. His campaign has highlighted the city’s problems with safety, cost of living, and governance as central topics in the election. Cuomo’s campaign team expressed appreciation for Diller’s backing, pointing out that his trust in Cuomo mirrors a wider concern about how the current administration is running the city.

Diller, who sits on the MGM Resorts International board, has been active for years. His recent remarks went beyond the mayor’s race, as he slammed the Democratic Party’s reaction to President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress. A leaked recording from the IAC meeting caught Diller describing the party as chaotic, bemoaning the absence of strong leaders. He hinted that things might have to get worse before they could improve.

Diller’s Cuomo Endorsement Raises Questions Amid MGM’s NY Casino Expansion Efforts

While Diller’s backing seems to stem from his gratitude for Cuomo’s previous work on the Little Island project, his connections to the gambling world have sparked some questions about possible political motives. IAC, which owns the biggest stake of MGM Resorts, has a lot invested in the casino industry. Notably, MGM Resorts is currently trying to get its hands on a prized downstate gaming permit in New York. Still, nothing suggests that Diller’s support for Cuomo has anything to do with these business interests.

Cuomo’s return to politics comes after he stepped down as governor in 2021 because of several scandals. People accused him of sexual misconduct and criticized how he dealt with nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with these past problems, he is still a big name in New York politics and might give Adams a run for his money in the reelection race.

Surveys show Cuomo as a tough opponent, setting the stage for a fierce battle for the New York City mayor position.