NYC's current mayor Mayor Adams revealed his intention to support former Governor Cuomo in the forthcoming election for mayor, even after an extended period of public tension between the two Democratic figures.
Only weeks ago, the mayor had strongly criticized the former governor, labeling him a “snake and a liar” and alleging of having “a career of marginalizing Black political contenders.” Yet, in a recent statement, Mayor Adams made a U-turn, stating he now intends to support Cuomo in areas where he holds significant backing.
“It is crucial to mobilize the communities of color that have been affected by gentrification on how vital this race is,” Adams remarked.
Adams continued, “They have watched their housing costs rise in terms of gentrification and they have been ignored in those neighborhoods, and I’m going to go to those neighborhoods and speak one on one with organizers and organizations and I’m going to walk with the former governor in those areas and get them involved.”
The mayoral contest has so far been shaped by the struggle between the former governor and progressive candidate his main rival, whose increasing popularity has drawn interest worldwide and represented hopes for a rejuvenated progressive wing of the Democrats.
During a recent candidate forum, both the democratic socialist and Republican nominee his conservative opponent declared they would decline the mayor's support if extended.
Earlier this year, Adams had begun his re-election campaign as an unaffiliated candidate after facing federal corruption charges which were later dismissed in return for his assistance with government enforcement actions across the city.
During a unrelated press conference on the same day, Adams responded to journalists asking about the endorsement plan by saying, “I'm meeting Andrew later today.”
The announcement came a day after the two politicians were seen sitting courtside together at the the NBA team's first game at Madison Square Garden, which occurred right after a heated mayoral debate.