Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming mayoral race, offering a significant boost to the former governor as the Democratic primary approaches on June 24.
Bloomberg, who served three terms as mayor and remains an influential voice in city politics, described Cuomo as the most qualified candidate in the field. He highlighted Cuomo’s extensive leadership background, noting that among the current contenders, “there is one candidate whose management experience and government know-how stand above the others.”
Cuomo, who has centered his campaign on experience and crisis management, welcomed the endorsement. “I am deeply honored to be endorsed by Mike Bloomberg, New York City’s preeminent statesman,” he noted in a statement. He praised Bloomberg’s leadership following 9/11 and highlighted his record on environmental justice, housing, and fiscal reform. Cuomo also credited Bloomberg’s managerial skills, noting that under his leadership, the city operated at its best.
The endorsement follows a series of donations from Bloomberg’s allies to Cuomo’s campaign, including contributions from Bloomberg’s daughter Emma and longtime advisor Kevin Sheekey. Thomas Secunda, co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., also donated $40,000 to a super PAC supporting Cuomo.
The two leaders had a historically contentious relationship while in office, but both have expressed mutual respect in light of the city’s current challenges. Bloomberg recognized their past differences but emphasized Cuomo’s strengths in leadership and management.
Cuomo underscored the need for proven leadership and management experience at City Hall, pointing to Bloomberg’s endorsement as validation of that approach. He argued that recent mayors lacked the necessary background to govern the city effectively.
The race has grown more competitive as Zohran Mamdani, a progressive state lawmaker from Queens, continues to gain ground. In response to the endorsement, Mamdani’s campaign characterized it as a sign that wealthy donors were aligning behind Cuomo to maintain the political status quo.
Despite increasing pressure from the progressive wing, Cuomo remains the frontrunner, supported by key labor unions and now reinforced by Bloomberg’s backing, which could influence undecided moderate voters.
