Main endorsers of Andrew Cuomo have maintained a noticeable silence following recent events
Cuomo's former primary endorsers have largely remained silent or shifted their support away from the former governor in the general election, following his defeat in the Democratic primary to Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and his subsequent independent campaign.
Notable figures such as Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, and former Assembly member Keith Wright have endorsed Mamdani. Several major unions, including 1199 SEIU and 32BJ SEIU, have also thrown their support behind the progressive candidate.
The lack of public reaffirmation by Cuomo's former primary endorsers for his general election independent run can be attributed to several factors. The controversial nature of Cuomo's resignation over sexual misconduct allegations and his attempted comeback campaign have undoubtedly made many reluctant to publicly support him again. The upset primary loss to Mamdani, a progressive candidate who has secured endorsements from many prominent progressives and unions, has also played a role.
Personal and political calculations by endorsers may also be at play, with some wishing to consolidate backing behind the primary winner or other viable candidates rather than a divisive independent campaign. Timing and political prudence are also factors, with some endorsers emphasizing that there is still time to decide but have not yet reaffirmed support for Cuomo.
Cuomo has been meeting voters in various parts of the city, but his presence in Brooklyn has been minimal compared to Mamdani's extensive outreach in the area. Assembly Member Eddie Gibbs, one of Cuomo's first primary endorsers, is "not rushing" to endorse anyone and will let his constituents decide through a candidate forum in mid-September.
Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Bichotte Hermelyn is confident that most elected officials in Brooklyn will come around and endorse Mamdani by November. Keith Wright, one of the party leaders who endorsed Mamdani following the primary, understands the trepidation surrounding endorsements and emphasizes that endorsing a candidate is a personal decision, and people may choose to wait before endorsing someone.
Notably, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries have not endorsed the Democratic nominee. Out of the 19 Assembly members who endorsed Cuomo in the primary, only De Los Santos has publicly declared his stance and backed Mamdani in the general election. Neither Assembly Member Jordan Wright nor Erik Dilan have made their endorsement decisions and have not been reached out to by Cuomo.
Cuomo removed the endorsement page on his campaign website shortly after launching his independent bid on July 14. The governor's lack of response to Gibbs' request for a candidate forum suggests a shared lack of urgency among former backers in endorsing Cuomo. Endorsing a candidate has been a controversial component of this mayoral election, and several candidates have been reluctant to endorse.
- Some endorsers of Cuomo in the primary election, such as Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, have shifted their support to Mamdani for the general election, possibly due to the controversial nature of Cuomo's resignation and the upset primary loss.
- Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn predicts that most elected officials in Brooklyn will endorse Mamdani by November, while Assembly Member Eddie Gibbs is not rushing to endorse and plans to decide through a candidate forum in mid-September.
