Then-Governor Andrew Cuomo waves as he arrives at One World Commerce Middle Tower to make an announcement in June of 2021.
REUTERS/Mike Segar
The newest mayoral ballot exhibits Andrew Cuomo surging forward, particularly with minority voters—pulling 47% of Black voters and 45% of Hispanic voters. Whereas some are stunned by Cuomo’s rising recognition, because the chief of the Brooklyn Democratic Get together, I’m not. That’s as a result of we decide leaders by what they’ve performed, not what they’ve promised.
For Black ladies, who face persistent challenges — together with maternal healthcare disparities, financial inequities, and disproportionate results from the affordability and housing crises — Cuomo has a confirmed observe file addressing these urgent issues.
Because the mayor’s race heats up, Black ladies have each motive to be skeptical of marketing campaign guarantees, however in addition they have each motive to assist Cuomo. His file speaks for itself—first as HUD Secretary, then as Legal professional Basic, and for 11 years as our Governor. That’s why he’s the correct selection to guide our metropolis ahead.
Granted, Black Democrats will not be a monolith, however as the primary Black girl to Chair the Brooklyn Democratic Get together and first NYC County Chief to endorse Cuomo, I communicate from expertise on this assist.
Cuomo has constructed an enormous coalition of backing throughout Brooklyn, and NYC, as a result of Democrats of all stripes acknowledge the necessity for a battle-tested chief—and know Cuomo’s distinctive expertise and results-driven management make him your best option for Mayor.
As Governor, Cuomo delivered actual outcomes and led with compassion. His insurance policies immediately addressed Black ladies’s points with sensitivity and motion.
Get together Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.Picture courtesy of the Brooklyn Democratic Get together
I do know this firsthand as a Black mom and a survivor of maternal loss. I misplaced my son Jonah after being turned away from a hospital in a high-risk state of affairs. That trauma fueled my battle to move the Jonah Bichotte Cowan Regulation, making certain expectant moms in preterm labor obtain essential care. Cuomo signed that invoice into legislation, proving his dedication to creating motherhood safer. He additionally took daring motion in opposition to well being insurers discriminating in opposition to maternal care sufferers.
As a sexual assault survivor, I co-sponsored the Youngster Victims’ Act to increase the statute of limitations for survivors in search of justice. Cuomo’s signature on that invoice wasn’t a formality—it was a dedication in direction of making certain victims’ voices had been heard and stopping future generations from enduring that trauma.
In a time of political assaults, Cuomo stays steadfast in his dedication to justice. That’s why, throughout his most tough moments, many Black ladies, together with myself, stood by him. When calls to take away him from workplace surfaced, I joined Black ladies legislators in initially arguing that these calls had been untimely. We took a nuanced strategy as a result of Black ladies and their households have too usually been denied equity in each the courts and public opinion; held to increased requirements whereas going through deep-seated injustices.
In the end, Cuomo understands this, and he put New Yorkers first by prioritizing the state’s well-being above political concerns.
As we now face worsening affordability and housing crises, we’d like a pacesetter with a confirmed file in tackling these points head-on. Cuomo’s management on multibillion-dollar infrastructure initiatives, just like the $4 billion LaGuardia Terminal B redevelopment, created 1000’s of native jobs whereas using women- and minority-owned companies at file charges.
In Brooklyn, Cuomo made an plain influence. His Important Brooklyn initiative invested $1.4 billion to interrupt down healthcare limitations, construct reasonably priced housing, develop medical entry, and create parks and inexperienced areas.
His management helped elevate New York out of the Nice Recession, making certain an equitable restoration. For Black ladies, who face each gender and racial pay disparities, his push to lift the minimal wage to $15/hour made an actual distinction.
New Yorkers witnessed Cuomo’s regular management throughout the pandemic, guiding town by means of considered one of its darkest moments—even whereas going through assaults from the President. That’s the kind of unflinching management we’d like in Metropolis Corridor.
New York stands at a crossroads. Rising crime, unaffordable housing, and crumbling infrastructure threaten our metropolis’s future. We don’t have time for a Mayor to be taught on the job—we’d like a pacesetter who has been examined, has delivered, and doesn’t simply discuss points that matter most for our communities, however implements actual options.
Cuomo has confirmed he can tackle the hardest fights and win. He has proven up for Black ladies—not simply throughout elections, however when it really issues. This election is crucial for our future, and that’s why I’ve proudly joined the rising ranks endorsing Cuomo. We should now use our collective energy on the polls to make sure the voices of Black ladies, seniors, and moms are heard and prioritized in shaping our metropolis.
Cuomo will battle for us—and collectively, because the spine of the Democratic Get together, we’ll transfer New York ahead.
