In a dramatic political reversal, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced his endorsement of Andrew Cuomo in the city’s mayoral race, just weeks after publicly calling the former governor a “snake and a liar.” The decision marks a significant realignment in the high-stakes contest that has already exposed deep fractures among New York’s independents and progressives. Adams says he will campaign alongside Cuomo in neighborhoods most affected by gentrification, urging Black and brown voters to “wake up” to the importance of the race.
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Adams’s Sudden Shift
Eric Adams’s endorsement comes only a month after he suspended his re-election campaign amid dismal polling numbers. Speaking to The New York Times, Adams said he believes Cuomo’s leadership could help address the struggles of marginalized communities across the city. “I think that it is imperative to really wake up the Black and brown communities that have suffered from gentrification on how important this race is,” Adams told the paper. He pledged to join Cuomo on the ground in neighborhoods that have long supported him, vowing to personally engage with local groups and organizers.
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From Insults to Alliance
The endorsement is especially startling given Adams’s previous attacks on Cuomo. Just last month, the mayor accused Cuomo of having “a career of pushing Black candidates out of races.” The sharp turnaround underscores the unpredictable alliances forming in this year’s mayoral contest, as both men, once prominent Democrats, now run as independents. At a Thursday press conference, Adams confirmed his shift, saying: “I’ll be with Andrew later today.” Hours later, he reaffirmed, “I’m fighting for the family of New York … to endorse Andrew Cuomo: to be part of this fight.”
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Cuomo and Mamdani Dominate Race
The New York City mayoral race has largely centered on a fierce battle between Andrew Cuomo and Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani’s unexpected rise in the polls has energized the city’s progressive movement and drawn global attention to the left wing of American politics. Cuomo, meanwhile, has faced renewed scrutiny over controversial campaign tactics, including an AI-generated ad that depicted “criminals for Zohran Mamdani,” sparking condemnation from civil rights groups.
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Knicks Game Sparks Speculation
Adams’s political pivot followed a highly publicized appearance with Cuomo at Madison Square Garden. The two were photographed sitting courtside at the New York Knicks’ season opener just one day after Cuomo, Mamdani, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa faced off in a heated debate. Their friendly courtside presence fueled speculation of an impending alliance, which Adams confirmed the next morning in his Times interview.
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Rival Candidates Reject Support
During Wednesday’s debate, both Mamdani and Sliwa preemptively distanced themselves from Adams, stating they would reject his endorsement if offered. Mamdani later posted on X, “The Art of the Deal,” referencing Donald Trump’s 1987 book—a clear jab at Adams’s political bargaining. The comment highlighted the tension between New York’s progressive base and centrist figures like Adams and Cuomo, whose alliance many see as a strategic but controversial move.
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Adams’s Tumultuous Year
Earlier in 2025, Adams launched his independent re-election campaign while facing federal corruption charges. The charges were later dismissed by Donald Trump in exchange for Adams’s cooperation with federal immigration raids across New York City. The scandal weakened Adams politically and contributed to his poor polling performance. His endorsement of Cuomo, therefore, may represent both a political gamble and a bid to maintain influence as his tenure wanes.
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Cuomo Campaign Silent
As of Thursday evening, Andrew Cuomo’s campaign had not responded to requests for comment on Adams’s endorsement. The pair’s renewed partnership, despite recent animosity, adds a volatile new dimension to an already contentious race that could reshape New York City’s political landscape.