Michael Bloomberg endorses Andrew Cuomo in NYC mayor's race
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayor's race Tuesday.
"In sizing up the field in the race for mayor, there is one candidate whose management experience and government know-how stand above the others: Andrew Cuomo," Bloomberg said in a statement.
The endorsement is a surprise because, since leaving office after his third term, Bloomberg has made it a point to stay out of mayoral politics.
Bloomberg acknowledged his own previous difficulties working with Cuomo, when Cuomo was governor.
"But I also know his strengths as a leader and manager. Of all the candidates, Andrew has the skills our city needs to lead us forward," he wrote.
Bloomberg lauded Cuomo's experience in government.
"He has decades of experience navigating state and federal governments. He has governed as a pragmatist, focused on solving problems rather than engaging in ideological or partisan warfare. And he has shown that he can get big things done, including the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport, the opening of the 2nd Avenue Subway, and creation of Moynihan Station - all long-stalled projects that he jump-started and completed," Bloomberg said. "The question before New Yorkers is not: Who is the perfect choice? No mayor is perfect. The question is: Who is the best choice? To me, that choice is clear: Andrew Cuomo."
Cuomo says he's "deeply honored"
, saying he was "deeply honored" by Bloomberg's endorsement. He went on to heap praise on Bloomberg's leadership of New York City during his time as mayor.
"Under his steady hand and with his strong management, New York City was the best run city in the country, and his leadership has been sorely missed every day since," Cuomo wrote. "Today, in this critical moment as New York City faces another crisis, I appreciate Mayor Bloomberg's support and faith in my vision for a stronger, safer, more affordable New York City for all."
Bloomberg's endorsement builds on recent momentum Cuomo has had in the mayoral race. Since joining the race, Cuomo has consistently polled at the top of the Democratic contenders. Recently New York State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who is running for mayor herself, threw her endorsement behind Cuomo, a shocking development considering she had previously called for Cuomo's ouster as governor.
Political experts say the Bloomberg endorsement is a major feather in Cuomo's cap, especially as the race tightens going into the final two weeks before the Democratic primary.
"It gives the green light to Democrats that are Bloomberg Democrats. These are independent Democrats that really loved his mayoralty," political analyst J.C. Polanco said.
Cuomo's opponents react
Most polls have socialist Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani appearing as the Cuomo's top rival to win the Democratic nomination, despite those polls showing Cuomo with a commanding lead in the race.
Mamadani, who was recently endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, took to social media to react to word of Bloomberg's endorsement.
"Billionaires are consolidating around Cuomo because they know he will preserve the broken status quo," Mamdani . "New Yorkers are rallying behind our campaign because they're ready for change. In two weeks, we will shock the political establishment and win a city we can all afford."
A spokesperson for Adrienne Adams said they would have no comment.
Mayor Eric Adams had nothing but praise for Bloomberg, saying that he will continue to seek his advice "when faced with challenging decisions."
The mayor also made clear that he's itching for the general election so that he can present his record "directly to the voters."
Early voting in the primary election starts this Saturday, and Primary Day itself is set for June 24.
