Prominent Muslim & African NYC Community Leaders Endorse Andrew Cuomo for Mayor
Faith Leaders Cite Cuomo’s Record of Standing with Muslim and Immigrant Communities
New York, NY — Prominent leaders from New York City’s Muslim and African communities today announced their endorsement of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for Mayor, praising his long record of action in defense of Muslim New Yorkers, immigrant families, and diverse faith communities across the city.
The leaders endorsed Andrew Cuomo during an event in Harlem with current Mayor Eric Adams, a Cuomo supporter.
Imam Souleimane Konate, spiritual leader of the Masjid Aqsa Mosque in Harlem, said: “I am proud to endorse Governor Andrew Cuomo for Mayor. He has always listened to the concerns of Muslim communities and taken concrete steps to protect and support us. Along with former Mayor Bloomberg, he advocated for the mosque near the World Trade Center, stood with our community during Trump’s 2017 Muslim travel ban, and established a hotline for victims of Islamophobic hate crimes. He has shown true commitment to our faith and safety. His dedication to strong families, safe neighborhoods, and equal opportunities demonstrates that he values culture, faith, and community. We need a leader who brings people together, and Governor Cuomo is exactly that kind of leader.”
Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, head of the Ansarudeen Islamic Center in the Bronx, emphasized Cuomo’s record of inclusion and opportunity:
“We look forward to working with Governor Cuomo to build a safer, more inclusive, and opportunity-rich New York City. His support for the Arabic language charter school, African and immigrant small businesses, and programs that strengthen neighborhoods reflects his understanding of our community’s priorities. He has also fought for immigrant rights through laws like the Green Light Law and the DREAM Act, and provided protections for Muslim and immigrant New Yorkers during difficult times. Governor Cuomo demonstrates the leadership, compassion, and dedication needed to unite all New Yorkers and address the challenges we face today.”
Imam Qazi Qayyoom, founder of the Muhammadi Community & Interfaith Center in Jackson Heights, Queens, highlighted Cuomo’s legislative accomplishments and steadfast advocacy: “Governor Andrew Cuomo’s leadership reflects genuine respect for our faith and our communities. He has taken meaningful action to protect Muslims and immigrants, including passing the Religious Garb Law, launching the Liberty Defense Project, and ensuring legal and social support for refugees and asylum seekers. He understands the importance of education, economic opportunity, and public safety for every neighborhood. I am honored to endorse him and confident that his administration will continue to bring progress, fairness, and opportunity to all New Yorkers.”
Theresa Obioma, Member, African Leaders Coalition said: “As a Nigerian-American, I wholeheartedly support Andrew Cuomo. He has consistently stood with our community, advocating for educational programs such as charter schools, gifted and talented programs, and specialized high schools, while also prioritizing public safety in our neighborhoods. No other leader has done as much to protect and uplift African and immigrant communities, through both laws and initiatives that strengthen families and create opportunities. We are grateful for his ongoing dedication and leadership.”
Halimatou Konte. Member, African Leaders Coalition, said: "Governor Cuomo has consistently shown that he cares about the well-being of all communities. His focus on creating opportunities for families, improving education, and supporting small businesses has made a real difference in the lives of African and immigrant New Yorkers. Our community knows that he listens, acts, and is committed to building a city where everyone has a chance to succeed."
El Hadji Ndao, Senegalese Businessman and Community Leader," said: “I am proud to endorse Andrew Cuomo. He has been there for our African community for decades, passing laws and creating initiatives that protect and support our neighborhoods and families. Governor Cuomo understands who our friends are, and his commitment to the African community shows that he values our contributions and our future in New York City.”
“New York City’s strength lies in its great mosaic - millions of people from every faith, race, and background who make this the most diverse and dynamic city in the world. I’m deeply grateful to these leaders and to the Muslim and African communities for their support and for the vital role they play in our city’s life,” Andrew Cuomo said. “Together, we’ll keep building a New York that stands up to hate, lifts up working families, and gives every New Yorker the opportunity to thrive.”
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