NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Mayor Eric Adams will endorse former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City in a move aimed at slowing the rise of socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani. The announcement marks a surprising reversal for Adams, who previously criticized Cuomo harshly.
The mayor, who dropped his re-election bid last month, confirmed he will campaign alongside Cuomo in neighborhoods where Adams remains popular. “I can confirm that the Mayor will endorse former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for mayor and intends to campaign alongside him,” Adams’ spokesman said in a statement. “The time and locations for their joint appearances are currently being finalized.”
Adams made his support for Cuomo public during a press conference on Thursday morning. “I’ll be with Andrew later today,” he said. The move comes just hours after the two were seen together courtside at Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks’ season opener, flashing thumbs up to cameras.
The endorsement is a sharp turn from Adams’ earlier comments. Last month, he called Cuomo a “snake and a liar” and criticized both Cuomo and Mamdani as “spoiled brats” born with silver spoons. Adams also accused Cuomo of pushing Black candidates out of races. Despite their past rivalry, the mayor and former governor now share a common goal: blocking Mamdani, who has gained significant momentum as a progressive candidate. Analysts say Adams’ backing could help Cuomo in key neighborhoods where the mayor still holds influence.
Adams stressed the importance of engaging Black and brown communities, particularly those affected by gentrification. “They have watched their rents increase in terms of gentrification, and they have been disregarded in those neighborhoods,” Adams told The New York Times. “I’m going to go to those neighborhoods and speak on one with organizers and groups, and I’m going to walk with the governor in those neighborhoods and get them engaged.”
Campaign strategists say Adams’ endorsement could give Cuomo a boost among voters who respect the mayor’s influence in the city. Both men aim to appeal to communities concerned about rising rents and the effects of gentrification.
Cuomo, who is running as an independent, has positioned himself as an alternative to both Adams and Mamdani. The former governor served as New York’s top executive from 2011 to 2021. His campaign has focused on crime, economic development, and housing issues, themes that resonate with moderate and centrist voters.
Political observers say Adams’ support may help Cuomo gain traction in areas where voters remember Adams’ time as mayor fondly. Joint appearances could also increase media coverage and generate momentum for the former governor in the weeks leading up to the election.
The endorsement highlights the deepening divisions in the mayoral race. Mamdani, a socialist and state assemblyman, has surged in popularity, appealing to younger and progressive voters. Cuomo and Adams now appear united in their effort to challenge his rise. Experts say Adams’ endorsement may not fully guarantee Cuomo a victory, but it could be pivotal in shaping voter turnout and influencing undecided voters. The mayor’s involvement in Cuomo’s campaign signals a high-stakes contest in New York City politics.
Adams and Cuomo are expected to appear together on the campaign trail as soon as Thursday afternoon. They plan to visit multiple neighborhoods and engage directly with voters to highlight their shared priorities. With the endorsement, the New York City mayoral race has entered a new phase. Cuomo now gains the support of a sitting mayor, while Mamdani continues to energize progressive voters. As the campaign heats up, all eyes will be on how Adams’ influence affects the outcome.
