Governor David Paterson and Former NYS Assembly Member Keith Wright, Endorse Cuomo for Mayor
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, candidate for New York City Mayor, today received the endorsement of New York Governor David Paterson, the first African-American Lieutenant Governor and Governor, and former state Assemblyman Keith Wright. The two powerhouse Democratic leaders from Harlem are renowned public servants who have a stellar record of fighting for equity, social advancement and economic justice.
The seismic announcement comes on the heels of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s endorsement where he discussed the need to elect a leader with management experience and a proven record to lead the city through this pivotal time.
“Andrew Cuomo has dedicated his life to public service and proven time and again that he can lead in the toughest of times. I fully endorse his candidacy for mayor—because New York City needs a leader who will stand up and get the job done no matter what the cost,” Governor Paterson said. “As Governor, Andrew took on crises head-first and delivered real results for everyday New Yorkers. From building affordable housing to standing up for working families, he’s never backed down from a challenge– and he’s always made sure to be a friend to the Black community. I trust that as mayor, he will deliver for New Yorkers and lead the city through a transformational period.”
“I’ve known Andrew Cuomo for decades, and I can tell you—he’s a fighter for justice and while others speak, he delivers. He has always stood up for our communities, from Harlem to the outer boroughs, and he understands the struggles working families face every day,” Assembly Member Keith Wright said. “As mayor, Andrew will bring bold leadership, a steady hand, and a deep understanding of what it takes to make this city work for everyone. I proudly endorse him because New York City needs a mayor who isn’t afraid to stand up to Trump, a mayor who will fight for every person regardless of color or creed, and a mayor who will be defined by deeds not words.”
“To have the endorsement of Governor Paterson and Assemblyman Keith Wright, two men I have known and respected for many years, is truly an honor,” Governor Cuomo said. “These two men are the embodiment of public service. They have spent their lives fighting for New Yorkers, especially those too often left behind, and they’ve been invaluable partners in government. Their support means a great deal to me, and I look forward to continuing the work we’ve all dedicated our lives to—building a stronger, fairer New York City for everyone.”
These endorsements follow other Manhattan officials who support Cuomo for Mayor, including Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, Assembly Member Eddie Gibbs, and Assembly Member George Alvarez.
Throughout his career in public service, Governor Cuomo has been a champion for working New Yorkers. He raised wages for millions and protected the right to organize when the Supreme Court tried to break the back of the labor movement. Governor Cuomo increased access to healthcare, enacted the nation's strongest paid family leave program and expanded apprenticeships, vocational training, and workforce development programs. He also advanced the most substantial infrastructure program in a generation, including the Second Avenue Subway, the Moynihan Train Hall and the new Kosciuszko Bridge and the new JFK and LaGuardia Airports – all major projects built with union labor.
They join a large and growing coalition of leaders and organizations that have endorsed Andrew Cuomo for Mayor, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Rep. Ritchie Torres, Democratic Organization of Queens County and Chairman Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, former New York State Comptroller Carl McCall, Mayoral Candidate and New York State Senator Jessica Ramos, Marc Anthony, former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., New York State Senator James Sanders Jr., New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud, Brooklyn Democratic Chair and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Assembly Member Charles Fall, Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia, Assembly Member Latrice Walker, Assembly Member Erik Dilan, Assembly Member Jordan Wright, Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, Assembly Member Sam Berger, Assembly Member Vivian Cook, Assembly Member John Zaccaro, Jr., Assembly Member William Colton, Assembly Member David Weprin, Assembly Member Edward Braunstein, Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman, Assembly Member Michael Benedetto, Assembly Member Larinda Hooks, Council Member Lynn Schulman, Council Member Kamillah Hanks, Council Member Farah N. Louis, Council Member Susan Zhuang, Council Member Darlene Mealy, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Amalgamated Transit Union, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Local 1500, Uniformed Fire Alarm Dispatchers Benevolent Association, Uniformed Firefighters Association, United Fire Officers Association, 1199SEIU, Teamsters Joint Council 16, LIUNA NY, New York State Iron Workers, 32BJ SEIU, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council,, the Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors Local 2507, the New York City Deputy Sheriffs’ Benevolent Association, New York City Coalition of the International Union of the Operating Engineers, the Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2,), Teamsters Local 237, Local 3 IBEW, New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters, District Council 9 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Citizens Union, Coalition of Community Concerns, The New York League of Conservation Voters, Sephardic Community Federation, Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance, the Bobov community in Borough Park, Crown Jewish United, Crown Heights PAC, Satmar Ahronim, Asian Wave Alliance, Liberty Democratic Association of The Bronx, Luis Dávila Pernas, chairman of the Puerto Rico Democratic Party, 35 District Leaders across the city, former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League Abe Foxman, the Village Reform Democratic Club, Taminent Regular Democratic Club, American Jewish Congress, over 100 prominent faith leaders, and the Italian American Leadership Council.
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