US Rep. Tom Suozzi is backing former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the crowded Democratic Party primary for mayor, saying he made the pick because he doesn’t want “the socialists to win.”
The former ally of city Mayor Eric Adams made the pick as the main obstacle in the way of frontrunner Cuomo’s political comeback bid is liberal mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America.
“I don’t want the socialists to win,” Suozzi told The Post.
Suozzi, who represents New York’s Third Congressional District, had endorsed Adams for mayor in 2021, and they were so chummy that his name was floated as a potential deputy mayor.
Times have changed, Suozzi said.
He said he likes Adams and credited the one-term incumbent for drops in crime, but said there was too much too controversy and scandal swirling around him.
Adams dropped out of the Democratic primary after he faced federal corruption charges that were later dropped by the Trump administration. He is running as an independent in the general election.
“New York City is facing colossal challenges, and we need a proven, common-sense leader who has the experience and proven record to get things done,” Suozzi said.
“I’m endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor because he doesn’t just talk about solving problems — he actually fixes them – from LGA, Second Avenue Subway, Moynihan Station, and so much more.”
Suozzi was one of the last House members from New York to urge Cuomo to resign as governor in 2021 following a spate of sexual misconduct accusations that the ex-governor denies.
“Andrew is not perfect. No one is,” Suozzi said..
“It is clear, however, that he is the best choice for mayor.”
Cuomo said he was honored to have the congressman’s endorsement as early voting is set to begin Saturday. The primary is June 24.
“I’ve known Tom for decades — he’s effective, experienced, and a leader who knows how to get things done,” he said in a statement. “We need more of that type of can-do attitude, and I look forward to working together to make our city safer and more affordable.”
Suozzi is the latest moderate to back Cuomo, two days after former Mayor Mike Bloomberg endorsed the ex-governor.
Cuomo also has the endorsements of New York Congress members Ritchie Torres, Adriano Espaillat, and Greg Meeks, the Queens Democratic Party chairman.
Mamdani, the democratic socialist representing Astoria and Western Queens, is surging in most polls and closing in on frontrunner Cuomo. Mamdani has the backing of democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
Suozzi, whose district includes a swath of Northeast Queens and Nassau County, left his House seat in 2022 to run for governor, losing in the Democratic primary to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
He reclaimed the House seat in a 2024 special election.
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