New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo may face unexpected challenges in next Tuesday's primary election against newcomer Zephyr Teachout as he seeks a second term, according to news agency NPR.org.

While political experts say there is no doubt of Cuomo's success in the upcoming primaries, the real question lies on how much votes Teachout will get in the elections. If Teachout does well, it could hurt Cuomo's aspirations for a presidential candidacy down the road, said Iona College political science professor Jeanne Zaino.

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Teachout, a Fordham law professor and author of "Corruption in America," focuses her campaign against the Democratic incumbent for his alleged involvement in the investigations by Moreland Commission, an anti-corruption panel he created then abruptly dissolved earlier this year.

"My first qualification for being the next governor of the State of New York is that I'm not under federal investigation," Teachout said.

Cuomo has denied any involvement in the scandal. Investigations are still underway and no charges have been filed.

Earlier this week, local cable news station NY1 invited the two rivals to a debate. Only Teachout showed up.

Cuomo has only held a few campaigns in preparation for the primary. He defended his absence in the debate, claiming that most of the debates he had been on were a "disservice to democracy." He did not elaborate.

Political experts said Cuomo's move is a front runner strategy typically used with lesser known rivals.

But on Monday, Cuomo campaigned in Times Square in Manhattan. He called for state education aid for undocumented migrants and vowed to decrease the gap between the rich and the poor by increasing the state's minimum wage as a second-term governor.

The incumbent also hit back at his opponent, saying that while a person can be a "great college professor," nothing can beat experience if one wants to run the state of New York.

TagsAndrew Cuomo, Zephyr Teachout, primary elections, New York governor, Democratic primary