March 24, 2025 Story by: Editor
Andrew Cuomo’s campaign for New York City mayor is creating divisions among Democratic leaders in Southeast Queens, a politically influential area with high voter turnout. The former governor, leading in both polls and fundraising, recently secured endorsements from local politicians, dealing a blow to rival Adrienne Adams, the City Council speaker, and casting uncertainty over Mayor Eric Adams’ reelection prospects.
However, the endorsement process has been anything but smooth. State Sen. Leroy Comrie, initially listed among Cuomo’s backers, later distanced himself from the decision. “I told them from the beginning, I wasn’t voting for him,” Comrie said, citing Cuomo’s record on issues like veterans’ affairs, pandemic management, and homelessness. Instead, he reaffirmed his support for Adrienne Adams, stating, “I’m an Adrienne guy.”
Comrie was one of eight lawmakers who participated in mayoral candidate interviews before endorsing Cuomo. The group included state Sen. James Sanders, Assembly Members Clyde Vanel, Alicia Hyndman, Larinda Hooks, and Khaleel Anderson, as well as Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers and Nantasha Williams. However, Anderson and Williams later denied supporting Cuomo. Anderson released his own ranking of candidates, excluding Cuomo entirely, and instead backing Comptroller Brad Lander as his top choice, followed by Adrienne Adams and others.
Sanders also appeared conflicted, explaining, “My heart may be in many different places, but my community elected me to lead with my head and my heart.”
Adding to the confusion, Adrienne Adams’ campaign had already listed Sanders as an endorser after he spoke at her campaign launch, urging voters to support her.
Despite the controversy, Cuomo’s endorsing legislators said they ranked him first, Adrienne Adams second, and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie third. Assemblymember Vanel defended the choice, stating, “We found that Cuomo has the experience and managerial skill to get New York City through the next few years.”
Adrienne Adams’ spokesperson, Lupe Todd-Medina, criticized the endorsement, arguing, “It’s sad to see elected officials support a former governor who underfunded schools and closed hospitals in Southeast Queens.” She accused Cuomo’s camp of using “pressure and intimidation” against her candidate.
Cuomo, who recently moved to Manhattan from Westchester County, is seeking a political comeback after resigning as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, which he denies. His campaign is focusing on blue-collar voters of color—a demographic Adrienne Adams also needs to win.
Her campaign faces significant challenges, including limited name recognition, financial constraints due to her late entry into the race, and the burden of sharing a last name with the unpopular incumbent mayor. Meanwhile, Cuomo has secured strong early fundraising and super PAC support.
Brooks-Powers’ endorsement of Cuomo is a particular setback for Adrienne Adams, as she was an early supporter of Adams’ City Council speaker bid and was later rewarded with key leadership positions.
While Mayor Eric Adams previously performed well in Southeast Queens, his 2025 campaign remains largely inactive. Comrie noted that the mayor was invited to speak to the endorsing group but declined due to scheduling conflicts.
Despite the turmoil, Cuomo’s team has remained silent on the controversy, focusing instead on expanding his coalition ahead of the primary.
Source: Politico
