Exclusive | NY primary falling on hottest day of heat wave could be bad news for Cuomo, pundits say

The heat wave could be good news for far lefties and bad news for ex-Gov.Andrew Cuomo.The 102 degree scorcher expected for Tuesday’s primaries is likely to help far lefties such as socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani while hurting Cuomo, the frontrunner to win the Democratic mayoral nomination who is appealing to more moderate voters, political pundits told The Post.“It’s very likely the heat will lower turnout on Tuesday — especially if the city is in a heat emergency — [and that] will be bad news for any campaign relying on Election Day turnout, which has previously been older and more moderate,” said Jon Paul Lupo, a longtime Democratic consultant and former top aide for ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio.“But we’re seeing historic levels of early vote — some voters are getting the message and voting early to avoid the heat.”Cuomo campaign spokesman Jason Elan insisted oppressive heat won’t stop the former governor’s supporters from showing up at the polls.“While we encourage people to vote early to beat the heat, we expect high turnout on Election Day because New Yorkers are excited to cast their ballots for Andrew Cuomo,” Elan said.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill Saturday allowing primary voters to be given refreshments as they wait on line to cast their ballots.“Our democracy works best when every eligible voter has a chance to cast their ballot,” Hochul said. “Providing water to voters waiting in line is a common-sense way to ensure New Yorkers have an easy, safe and secure experience in the voting booth.I’m committing to protecting the right to vote for all eligible New Yorkers.”The new bill repeals a law that prohibited voters from receiving food, water and other refreshments at polling sites.Hochul, however, urged New Yorkers to vote early and beat the heat.“The No.1 cause of weather-related death is extreme heat, but preparation, communication and other precautions can save lives,” Hochul said in a stat...