Adams Expected to Back Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Race

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, is likely to endorse former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is preparing for his mayoral campaign. This endorsement comes just weeks before the election.

In an interesting turn of events, Mr. Adams, who halted his own re-election efforts last September amid a complicated past with Mr. Cuomo, is now backing Cuomo’s independent bid. This race also features socialist candidate Zoran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa. After a recent mayoral debate, the two leaders were seen together at the New York Knicks’ season opener.

Adams mentioned his plans to actively campaign alongside Cuomo in these final weeks. He emphasized that engaging black and brown communities, particularly those impacted by gentrification, is crucial.

“Rents have spiked due to gentrification, and these areas have been overlooked,” Adams explained. He intends to meet personally with local organizers and groups to address their concerns.

Adams’ exit from the race is seen as beneficial for Cuomo, who has reportedly gained 10 points in polling since Adams stepped aside but still trails Mamdani significantly.

During the debate, Cuomo criticized Mamdani, labeling him “a divisive force in New York” and denouncing a photo Mamdani took with Ugandan politician Rebecca Kadaga, who has a controversial stance on LGBTQ rights.

Cuomo pushed back, questioning why Mamdani wouldn’t distance himself from Kadaga, particularly given Uganda’s stance on LGBTQ issues. “Isn’t that a fundamental violation of human rights?” he asked.

Mamdani defended himself, stating that his political views are based on human rights for everyone, including LGBTQ individuals both in New York and Uganda. He expressed regret for not recognizing who Kadaga was at the time of their photo.