More than 160 Democrats, officials and activists have drafted letters to the party leaders opposed to the former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's comeback bid for New York City mayor – and urges them to do the same.
Brooklyn President Antonio Reynoso and 13 other liberal lawmakers, including American Democrat Socialists, were among the signers of the letter that came out only a week when Cuomo officially jumped into the race and quickly reached frontrunner status.
“After the corruption case derails Mayor Eric Adams' administration, New York City needs a mayor. The mayor will focus on the needs of our city, not on his own legal battle, his obsession with power or his self-centered political comeback.”
The letter was signed by City Councilman Tiffany Kaban, State Senator Julia Salazar and Jabari Blisport.
The Cuomo Union did not say who was supporting the mayor's busy Democratic primary in June.
The letter cited Cuomo's baggage and scandal, including his resignation as governor in 2021. Cuomo denies the claim.
Critics also cited an investigation that concluded that Cuomo intentionally undercounted the COVID-19 deaths of thousands of nursing home residents, due to his policy of enforcing Cuomo to accept recovery for COVID patients who have been discharged from hospital.
They also complained about using state resources to write a $5 million profitable book about his leadership during the pandemic.
Cuomo argued that he acted properly and followed the law.
“Now is the time for Democrat leaders to demonstrate to our members that we are parties to integrity, accountability, respect, transparency and inclusion,” the Anti-Khaomo Democrats said.
“We must have a brighter vision of a future based on new ideas and fresh thoughts. We have failed in leadership that has created many of the problems we face today, rather than the nostalgia of a broken era.”
“And we must build trust and govern in a way that shows how governments are a strength for good in people's lives. The letters have been added.
“I oppose Andrew Cuomo's campaign for New York City Mayor, including these reasons, and urge all my Democrat colleagues to pledge the same.”
Cuomo Campaign spokesman Rich Azzopardi dismissed the letter as an act of despair.
“This is a clear and hopeless response to the governor who only had 10 days in this election, leading the support race,” Atzpaldi said.
“New Yorkers see right through these stupid astroturf stunts and know that Andrew Cuomo records the achievements, skills and experiences that put the city in crisis.”
Cuomo has been putting out a lot of support in recent weeks and has been wary of his burgeoning institutional support for critics within the party.
The letter was sent Wednesday to state Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs and five county chairmanships. The sword swords of Rodney Bicotte Hermelin of Brooklyn, Gregory Meas of Queens, Keith Wright of Manhattan, Jamal Bailey of the Bronx and Laura Robianco were said to be Ten Mellone's Democratic club.
Staten Island Democrats have already approved Cuomo, as are former city secretary Carl McCall, Bronx MP Richie Torres, former president of Bronx Rose Reuben Diaz Jr., and a string of unions.
“I don't think Cuomo should be elected mayor. He has a bad record of public safety,” said former Brooklyn councillor Sal Albanese.
