As a lifelong New Yorker of African descent who has spent more than 30 years in political and community service, I have seen this city rise, fall, and rise again. From my time running for the New York City Council in Queens’ 21st District, to serving two terms on the Queens Community Board and the Neighborhood Advisory Board (Queens 4), I have dedicated my life to making New York better for every family who calls it home.
But today, I am deeply worried. Our city—once a global symbol of resilience, innovation, and opportunity—is being steered in a dangerous direction. What we face now is not merely a political contest, but a test of whether New Yorkers will choose competence over chaos.
For decades, I fought in the trenches for the values I believed the Democratic Party stood for—hard work, fairness, safety, and opportunity. But in recent years, that party has lost its way. It has been hijacked by naïve, ideological activists who lack the experience and pragmatism needed to govern a city as complex and demanding as New York.
That is why I made the difficult but necessary decision to join the Republican Party. I did not change my principles—my principles remain rooted in service, responsibility, and community. What changed was the party I once trusted to uphold them.
This November 4, New Yorkers have a stark choice in the mayoral race: between Andrew Cuomo, a proven leader with decades of executive experience, and Zohran Mamdani, a young, inexperienced ideologue whose radical vision is utterly detached from the realities of city governance.
Let’s be honest—New York City cannot afford another experiment in amateur leadership. We are facing serious crises: rising crime, economic uncertainty, a crushing affordability crisis, and eroding public trust in government. These are not challenges for a novice. They demand steady, seasoned, and strategic leadership—qualities Andrew Cuomo has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.
I have worked with communities across Queens for decades. I’ve seen what happens when leadership falters—when ideology replaces common sense, and when rhetoric overshadows results. We cannot continue down that road. Our city’s survival depends on restoring accountability, competence, and a clear vision for the future.
Cuomo is not perfect—no leader is—but he is tested, battle-hardened, and understands how to make government work for the people. He knows the machinery of New York inside and out, and more importantly, he knows how to fix what’s broken.
This election is not about partisanship—it’s about survival. If we love this city, we must act now. New York cannot thrive under inexperience, nor can it withstand another round of ideological experiments that sacrifice results for slogans.
On November 4, I urge every New Yorker—Democrat, Republican , and independent alike—to look beyond party labels and focus on the future of our city. The choice is clear.
Experience over experimentation. Leadership over ideology. Cuomo over chaos.
New York’s best days are not behind us—but only if we make the right choice at the ballot box.
George Onuorah is a lifelong New Yorker, published author, and humanitarian. He is a former candidate for the New York City Council (Queens District 21) and has served two terms on both the Queens Community Board and the Neighborhood Advisory Board Queens 4.
