Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.
Photograph by Dean Moses
The top of Brooklyn’s Democratic Celebration, Meeting Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, introduced on Sunday that she is endorsing former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York Metropolis.
Bichotte Hermelyn, who’s the state Meeting majority whip, touted Cuomo’s in depth expertise as each NYS governor and lawyer basic as key elements in his capability to guide the town.
“Andrew Cuomo has steadfastly served as an exemplary public servant for the betterment of our city and state for decades, starting right here in Brooklyn, where he began as a community advocate,” Bichotte Hermelyn mentioned in a press release. “Cuomo never forgot his roots, or the importance of fighting for equality and opportunity, as he served as Attorney General of New York starting in 2006, then as our governor for 11 years.”
The endorsement struck a crucial blow to Mayor Eric Adams’ re-election hopes, as Bichotte Hermelyn had beforehand supported him 4 years in the past — and had stood by him even following his felony indictment final yr.
Cuomo is the frontrunner within the 2025 mayoral race, despite the fact that he solely threw his hat into the ring on March 1. Different key contenders within the extremely contentious race embrace NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and the incumbent Mayor Adams.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.Photograph by Lloyd Mitchell
Although Cuomo’s political profession lately was ripe with scandals and baggage, most notably his 2021 resignation from the governor’s workplace amid a number of accusations of sexual misconduct—which he has all the time denied—Bichotte Hermelyn mentioned he’s the fitting man for the job.
“During his tenure, he led our city through the darkest depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, while instituting real change that made New York City safer, stronger and more liveable and affordable for all,” mentioned Bichotte Hermelyn, who joined Cuomo’s marketing campaign as a political senior government advisor.
Talking of the pandemic, Cuomo was additionally scrutinized for his dealing with of NYS nursing houses in the course of the treacherous time in NYC, nationwide and world historical past.
But the meeting member advocated for Cuomo, saying he is able to tackle a number of the hardest challenges dealing with the Large Apple in the present day, like affordability points, crime and homelessness.
“Cuomo not only has the right leadership skills, but has an extensive plan with a strong network of support to tackle the unique issues and crisis our city is facing today, including a lack of affordability; rising mental health, addiction, and homelessness rates; and barriers to accessing education,” she mentioned.
Cuomo, in the meantime, thanked Bichotte Hermelyn for her endorsement and assist whereas highlighting a few of her accomplishments in workplace.
“Brooklyn is home to the largest number of Democrats in any county in the nation and I am humbled to have the support of its great Democratic leader, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, at this critical moment for our city,” the candidate mentioned. “She is a great friend and a true partner in government, who I was proud to work with to raise the wage for millions of working class New Yorkers, to enact the nation’s strongest paid family leave program and pass the toughest gun violence prevention laws in the country.”
The Democratic mayoral main takes place on June 24.
