US Rep. Adriano Espaillat is backing Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor — strengthening the embattled former governor’s support among Latino communities in Washington Heights and the Bronx.
The Democratic congressman made his spirited endorsement during a Mother’s Day event in the Bronx Saturday night, encouraging female attendees to vote for the pol – who resigned in disgrace from the governor’s office in 2021 over sexual misconduct claims leveled against him by a slew of women.
“He has the best intentions in his heart,” Espaillat, who reps Upper Manhattan and parts of the West Bronx, insisted during his lively bilingual declaration, according to a video shared on X.
“He needs you, he needs the mothers and the daughters and the granddaughters of the city so he can make it better.”
In a subsequent statement – which also included an endorsement from Espaillat’s Coalition for Community Concerns – the congressman described Cuomo as a strong and proven leader capable of tackling the Big Apple’s most urgent issues, including affordability, public safety and federal overreach.
Cuomo has now won the support of three House members — including Ritchie Torres and Greg Meeks.
The Democratic candidate also earned an endorsement from Assemblyman George Alvarez, who hosted Saturday’s function. Alvarez is a member of the coalition, which was formed ahead of the city’s mayoral race and includes civic and business leaders, local activists and elected officials.
“His record proves that he is the best suited to tackle challenges facing our city,” said Alvarez, who serves New York’s 78th District in the Bronx.
“From building more affordable housing to making like safer in the streets, the Bronx needs someone who can step up to the plate on Day One and start doing the job. We did it before, we can do it again, and we will when he is at City Hall.”
Cuomo, during the vivacious gathering, said he looks forward to working with both pols when he’s elected.
“No one will do more for the Bronx than we will together,” Cuomo told the crowd, the video showed.
“The Bronx has been left behind for too long and we’re going to make it a priority. We’re going to make it safer, more affordable, and more job opportunities than you have seen in years.”
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