Former New York Governor David Paterson formally endorsed incumbent Mayor Eric Adams for re-election on Wednesday, aiming to bolster his faltering campaign amid stiff competition from Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani and independent Andrew Cuomo.
Paterson, New York’s 55th governor from 2008 to 2010 and the first Black person to hold that office, had initially backed Andrew Cuomo during the Democratic primary. After Cuomo’s defeat to Mamdani, Paterson briefly advocated for a consolidation of non-socialist candidates to strengthen their prospects in the general election. However, with little interest in that plan from other contenders, he declared the idea “moot” and shifted his support decisively to Adams.
At the City Hall event, Paterson praised Adams’s leadership and governance: “We have a mayor who knows what to do; he’s already done it. We just want him to do it again,” he asserted, underscoring Adams’s nearly four-year tenure and perceived ability to steward the city through mounting challenges.
The endorsement comes at a critical juncture—polling data shows Mamdani well ahead, with 44% support, followed by Cuomo at 25%, Curtis Sliwa at 12%, and Adams trailing at just 7%.
Adams welcomed the endorsement, describing the support from such a respected Harlem and state political figure as significant. “Having Governor Paterson able to articulate our story and show us how to continue to get it out is a real win,” Adams remarked, emphasizing the value of narrative control and outreach.
Paterson’s endorsement not only marks his entry as the most prominent Democrat to back Adams but also signals potential disruption to the electoral dynamics. Political analysts suggest his backing may cut into Cuomo’s appeal among moderate and older voters of color, considered to be an important demographic.
In supporting Adams, Paterson underscored the importance of experienced leadership and political unity—asserting that, in a fractious race, stability is vital to preventing a progressive Socialist victory in November.
