More than 160 Democratic lawmakers, officials and activists have drafted a letter to party leaders opposing ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s comeback bid for New York City mayor — and urging them to do the same.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and 13 other liberal lawmakers, including Democratic Socialist of America members, were among the signees to the letter, which comes little more than a week after Cuomo officially jumped in the race and immediately attained frontrunner status.
“After corruption cases derailed Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, New York City needs a mayor who will focus on the needs of our city, not his own legal battles, obsession with power, and self-centered political comeback,” the draft letter, initiated by the progressive New Kings Democratic Club said.
The letter was signed by City Councilmember Tiffany Caban, State Sens. Julia Salazar and Jabari Brisport — and about 150 district leaders, state committee members, county committee members and Democratic clubs.
The stop Cuomo coalition did not say who they are backing in the crowded June Democratic primary for mayor.
The letter cited Cuomo’s baggage and scandals, including his resignation as governor in 2021 — when he stepped down under the threat of impeachment following a slew of sexual misconduct accusations. Cuomo denies the claims.
The critics also cited investigations that concluded Cuomo intentionally undercounted thousands of COVID-19 deaths of nursing home residents, resulting from his policy of forcing nursing facilities to accept recovering COVID patients discharged from hospitals.
They also complained that he used state resources to write his $5 million profit-making book about his leadership during the pandemic.
Cuomo maintained he acted appropriately and followed the law.
“Now is the time for Democratic leaders to show our constituents that we are the party of integrity, accountability, respect, transparency, and inclusivity,” the anti-Cuomo Democrats said.
“We must have a vision for a brighter future based on new ideas and fresh thinking, not nostalgia for a broken era and failed leadership that created many of the problems we face today.”
“And we must govern in a way that builds trust and shows how government can be a force for good in people’s lives. the letter added.
“For these reasons and more, we oppose Andrew Cuomo’s campaign for mayor of New York City, and we urge all of our Democratic colleagues to pledge the same.”
Cuomo campaign spokesman Rich Azzopardi dismissed the letter as an act of desperation.
“It’s a clear, desperate reaction to the governor, who’s only been in this election for 10 days, leading the endorsement race,” Azzopardi said.
“New Yorkers see right through these silly astroturf stunts and they know Andrew Cuomo had the record of accomplishments, the skills and the experience to save this city in crisis.”
Cuomo has rolled out numerous endorsements in recent weeks, alarming critics within the party to his surging institutional support.
The letter is being sent Wednesday to state Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs and the five county chairpersons — Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn of Brooklyn, Gregory Meeks of Queens, Keith Wright of Manhattan, Jamaal Bailey of The Bronx and Laura LoBianco Sword of Staten Island, said Tony Melone, president of the New Kings Democratic Club.
The Staten Island Democratic Party has already endorsed Cuomo, as has former city Comptroller Carl McCall, Bronx Rep. Rep. Ritchie Torres, former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and a string of labor unions.
“I don’t think Cuomo should be elected mayor. He has a bad record on public safety,” said former Brooklyn Councilman Sal Albanese.
