Former Governor Andrew Cuomo secured a wave of support from New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) tenant leaders on Tuesday, May 6th, as 27 Tenant Association presidents from across the five boroughs endorsed his campaign for mayor. The announcement followed Cuomo’s visit to the Redfern Houses in Far Rockaway, Queens, where he met with residents and tenant leaders to discuss ongoing issues within public housing.
Cuomo was joined by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Redfern Houses Tenant Association President Kimberly Comes, and Hammel Houses President Lisa Johnson during a tour of the complex. The group engaged with residents about long-standing concerns, including delayed repairs, deteriorating conditions, and the need for stronger accountability from city leadership.
The endorsing tenant leaders pointed to Cuomo’s decades-long housing record as the foundation for their support. Comes highlighted Cuomo’s previous role as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton and his housing initiatives during his tenure as governor.
“Governor Cuomo has been building housing for over 30 years. As HUD Secretary, he fought for public housing across the country, and as governor, he delivered a record investment in addressing our housing needs to ensure our buildings were maintained and repaired. We’ve seen what he can do, and we trust him to fight for us again,” Comes stated. “Our community needs a leader who won’t back down and will put action behind their words—that’s why we proudly endorse Governor Cuomo, because he is the only one who can turn this city around.”
Cuomo expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging NYCHA residents’ critical role in the city’s fabric. “I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the NYCHA Tenant Association. Your support means the world to me because you represent the heart of New York—working men, women and families who’ve built this city and deserve to live with dignity,” Cuomo noted. “As mayor, I will make it my mission to ensure NYCHA residents get the investment they deserve and that the government works for them.”
The tenant leaders’ endorsement adds to a growing coalition backing Cuomo’s candidacy, including elected officials, labor unions, advocacy groups, and community organizations across the city.
Below is the list of Tenant Association Presidents:
Bronx
- Emily Bautista, Randall Avenue-Balcom Avenue
- Lehra Brooks, Throggs Neck Houses
- Miriam Sanchez, Monroe Houses
- Jeannette Salcedo, Castle Hill Houses
Brooklyn
- Larry Barton, Vandalia Houses
- Reginald Bowman, Seth Low Houses
- Naomi Colon, Marcy Houses
- Adorn DuBose, Sumner Houses
- Lucas Greer, Williamsburg Houses
- Barry Long, Tompkins Houses
- Alexis Rice – Marcus Garvey Houses
- Eloisa “Panama” Rowe, Borinquen Plaza Houses
- Arthur Warren, Long Island Baptist Houses
- Shirley Williams, Brevoort Houses
- Miriam Robertson, Glenmore Plaza Houses
Manhattan
- William Betancourt, Gaylord White Houses
- Thomas Fredrick, Johnson Houses
- Latisa Gilmore, Drew-Hamilton Houses
- Nathaniel Green, Dyckman Houses
Queens
- Lisa Johnson, Hammel Houses
- Kimberly Comes, Redfern Houses
- Visol Smith, Ocean Bay Apartments
- Tamika Williams-Moore, Pomonok Houses
- Margarieth Massac, Oceanside Housing
Staten Island
- Clifton Creque, Berry Houses
- Rashida Reid, South Beach Houses
- Tina Watson, New Lane Area
