New York State Senator Jessica Ramos on Friday, June 6th, publicly endorsed Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor, despite a history of sharp criticism against the former governor.
Speaking at a campaign event in Manhattan, the Queens lawmaker acknowledged Cuomo’s lead in the race and described him as the only candidate with the experience, resilience, and knowledge needed to guide the city through upcoming challenges.
The endorsement comes at a time when the mayoral race is increasingly focused on two leading candidates—Cuomo and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, both from Queens. While Mamdani has built support among progressive voters, Ramos explained that her choice was driven by pragmatism and a sense of responsibility to the city’s future.
The announcement marks a reversal for Ramos, who previously accused Cuomo of pursuing a “vanity comeback tour” and was among the first legislators to call for his resignation in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations. She had also questioned his leadership and judgment.
Ramos also used the endorsement to voice frustration with labor unions and progressive groups that have backed Cuomo’s campaign over hers, despite her role as chair of the state Senate’s labor committee and long-standing support for workers’ rights. She described the lack of institutional backing as a personal and political disappointment.
Facing fundraising challenges and low polling numbers, Ramos’s move may reflect a broader strategic realignment under the city’s ranked-choice voting system. Her support for Cuomo is likely to influence progressive voters weighing their options ahead of the Democratic primary.
