Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo speaks throughout the New York Metropolis Democratic Mayoral Major Debate on the John Jay Faculty of Felony Justice within the Gerald W. Lynch Theater in New York Metropolis., U.S., June 12, 2025. Vincent Alban/Pool by way of REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, as soon as the highest-ranking Black member of Congress, on Friday endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo within the Democratic major for NYC mayor — one other signal the native race is drawing nationwide consideration.
Clyburn, in an announcement, mentioned Cuomo is the candidate finest positioned to guide the Huge Apple — and doubtlessly the nationwide Democratic Get together as nicely. Cuomo is the frontrunner within the June 24 mayoral major — his first run for public workplace since stepping down as governor in 2021 following 11 accusations of sexual misconduct that he denies.
The Congress member, who served an important position in securing the Democratic nomination for former President Joe Biden within the 2020 election, mentioned he has recognized Cuomo ever for the reason that former governor served as US Secretary of Housing and City Growth below former President Invoice Clinton within the Nineties. He praised Cuomo as an efficient chief with a observe document of getting issues executed as governor, who will do the identical as mayor.
“Andrew does not just go along to get along,” Clyburn mentioned. “He searches for solutions and builds coalitions to reach common ground. If he says he will build more affordable housing, raise the minimum wage, make the city safer and create more opportunities for our youth, you can be confident that he will — because he’s done it before.”
Clyburn additionally views Cuomo as somebody who may probably lead the Democratic Get together within the close to future because it continues to reckon with President Trump “challenging the pillars of our democracy.”
“The mayor of New York is uniquely positioned to play an important role in the future of the National Democratic Party,” Clyburn mentioned. “Andrew Cuomo has the experience, credentials, and character to not just serve New York, but also help save the nation. He has my wholehearted support, and I urge my fellow Democrats to vote for him and do so enthusiastically,”
Clyburn’s backing of Cuomo comes after US Sen. Bernie Sanders additionally weighed in on the mayor’s race earlier this week, throwing his help behind Cuomo’s fiercest challenger — Queens Meeting Member Zohran Mamdani. Sanders, a democratic socialist representing Vermont, framed Mamdani because the candidate of the working class and Cuomo is the choose of billionaires — because of the astronomical inflow of donations to an excellent PAC supporting his marketing campaign.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one other progressive champion with a nationwide profile, additionally endorsed Mamdani earlier this month.
Whereas Cuomo remains to be main in most polls, Mamdani has closed the as soon as huge hole between them considerably. A Marist Faculty ballot launched Wednesday had Cuomo main with 38% of possible Democratic voters to Mamdani’s 27%. Cuomo wins within the ultimate spherical of its ranked-choice voting simulation with 55% to Mamdani’s 45%.
The 2 main contenders have been relentlessly attacking each other within the ultimate days of the marketing campaign.
Cuomo has blasted Mamdani for his lack of presidency expertise and never condemning the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many Jewish individuals see as a name to violence in opposition to them. Mamdani has ripped Cuomo for his tremendous PAC — often known as “Fix the City” — that has raised tens of millions of {dollars} from Trump-aligned donors and actual property trade gamers.
