With just a few weeks to go before the upcoming New York primary elections on June 24, and roughly a week before early voting commences, some new political alliances have emerged while others appear to have solidified. This was somewhat evident during the National Puerto Rican Day parade held in Manhattan on Sunday, June 8.

 

Citing a survey conducted by Data for Progress on behalf of a super PAC for Democratic mayoral candidate and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (S.D. 36), Politico reported on June 9 that fellow Democratic mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, is up by just two points in the polls over Mamdani in the Democratic mayoral primary race, while a poll from the ex-governor’s camp reportedly showed Cuomo with a 12-point lead.

 

Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), who represents parts of the West Bronx and Northern Manhattan, was photographed by The New York Times marching in the parade in Manhattan on Sunday alongside Cuomo. AM New York reported on May 11 that the congressman had thrown his support behind Cuomo together with the Coalition for Community Concerns. They quoted Espaillat as saying, in part, that Cuomo was, as of that date, “the clear choice in the mayoral race.”

 

Cuomo’s affordability plan, among other plans, for New York City, according to his campaign, will increase the supply of affordable housing, expand access to affordable healthcare, guarantee universal 3-K and increase childcare options, make transportation more affordable by expanding discounted access to buses and more, provide targeted tax relief to lower income and middle-class voters, and improve incomes through job creation, workforce training, worker protections and tax cutting measures.

As reported, among his supporters, the former governor has also been criticized in the context of sexual harassment allegations brought against him in 2021, his handling of COVID-19 spread in nursing homes during the pandemic, as well as profiting from a book he wrote about his management of the crisis. The New York Times later reported that a New York State ethics board ordered the former governor to turn over millions of dollars in profits from his pandemic memoir.

 

After the New York State Assembly authorized an impeachment investigation into the workplace sexual harassment allegations in August 2021, Cuomo said he would resign and did so on Aug. 24 that year, paving the way for the ascent of his then-deputy governor, now New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Cuomo has consistently denied any intentional wrongdoing.

 

He later acknowledged that he had “painfully” made some mistakes, adding that he would do some things differently, knowing what he knows now. “I believe I learned from them,” he said saying they made him a better person. “I hope to show you that every day,” he added amid his announcement of his run for mayor in March of this year. “But I promise you this, I know what needs to be done and I know how to do it, and I will give it my all to get the job done, and it will get done.” For more on this, click here.

Meanwhile, on March 31, The New York Law Journal reported that a U.S. judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging the Cuomo administration was responsible for COVID-19 nursing home deaths. The outlet also reported that Napoli & Shkolnik indicated it could appeal the federal judge’s dismissal of the suit.

 

Espaillat’s social media accounts have been relatively quiet about his endorsement of Cuomo. The congressman did not share any photos of his march in Sunday’s parade alongside the former governor either, though he did post photos of the day. As reported, Espaillat’s congressional colleague, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), who represents a large section of The Bronx stretching from the northwest to the South, had already endorsed Cuomo even before the former governor announced his mayoral run in March.

 

According to AM New York, in May, Espaillat was the third sitting congressmember from New York to endorse Cuomo in his mayoral run in addition to Torres and Queens Rep. Gregory Meeks. Incidentally, both Torres and Espaillat were involved in a plane wing clip incident earlier this year.

 

On May 28, in reference to a New York Times article on Cuomo’s campaign manifesto, Espaillat said, “I applaud @andrewcuomo’s plan to raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour. New York City’s working families and people deserve a livable wage so that they can afford to stay and thrive in our city.” For more on Cuomo’s campaign announcement, click here. 

However, in March 2021, it was a different story and amid the sexual harassment allegations brought against the former governor, Espaillat said it was time for Cuomo to resign which he ultimately did, as reported. However, prior to that sexual harassment scandal, Espaillat had openly supported at least some of Cuomo’s actions going back to 2019 and well before.

 

He commended Cuomo and State representatives for enacting a law that would give Congress the ability to fulfill its Constitutional responsibilities to hold then-U.S. President Donald Trump accountable and “to ensure our democratic system remains strong.” In 2017, the congressman had also openly thanked the then-governor for answering his calls for assistance for his constituents amid Hurricane Irma, and in 2018, also thanked Cuomo for ensuring New York remained welcoming to immigrant families and for vowing to fight the separation of children from their parents.

 

As reported, Espaillat was recently honored by former Democratic House Majority Speaker Nancy Pelosi, still a congress member and major influential figure within the national Democratic Party. Following Democratic congressional losses in New York and elsewhere in 2022, which cost Pelosi her speakership, The New York Times reported in 2024 how the Californian congresswoman had been critical of New York’s handling of the elections.

 

Hochul, Cuomo’s former lieutenant governor previously served with Pelosi in Congress in New York’s 26th congressional district. As reported, New York’s top elected official is now being challenged by her own lieutenant, Antonio Delgado, for the role of governor. Norwood News has asked Espaillat if he plans to support Hochul in 2026 for reelection and will share any updates we receive.

 

Meanwhile, the day after the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, on June 8, Cuomo said, “I am honored to be endorsed by Luis Dávila Pernas, chairman of the Puerto Rico Democratic Party. I look forward to continuing to support the Puerto Rican community any way I can as the next mayor of New York City.”

 

In response, Alberto Medina, president of BUDPR [United Puerto Ricans of the Diaspora] said, “Luis Dávila Pernas is a major figure in Puerto Rico’s pro-statehood party, some of whom moonlight as Democrats but, as the Cuomo endorsement shows, are actually conservative and reactionary. After all, the party’s led by a pro-Trump governor who is actively collaborating with ICE.”

 

She continued, “Donald Trump isn’t just a national threat; he’s targeting New York. We need someone in City Hall who knows how to govern, who can protect this city, and who can get big things done under pressure. That’s why I’m endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor today.”

 

According to CBS News, Ramos has not dropped out of the race, and in her endorsement announcement, she urged voters to rank Cuomo first because she believes he is the best person to take on U.S. President Donald Trump. Ramos had as recently as March been a vocal critic of the former governor, writing in part on the announcement of his entry into the mayoral race, “If New Yorkers want a corrupt bully with a record of alleged sexual misconduct, supporting Republicans, selling out developers, and exacerbating crises, they can just stick with the current mayor.”

 

She also wrote in part at the time, “There has to be some misunderstanding. Andrew hasn’t lived in NYC for nearly three decades. Shouldn’t he be running for office in Westchester, where he lived after resigning in disgrace?” Cuomo appeared nonplussed by the senator’s previous comments, writing the same day, “So proud to be endorsed by @jessicaramosqns who is a fighter for working New Yorkers. I value her support in the fight to pass a $20 minimum wage, in putting this city back on the right track, and in making NYC affordable and safe for all.”

 

Following the announcement by Ramos, fellow progressive Democrat, State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33), who broadly represents a large section of the northwest and center Bronx who has ranked Mamdani on the top of his list, shared his disappointment at her decision and reissued his ranked choice voting preferences for mayor.

 

He wrote in part, “It is profoundly upsetting and disappointing to see so many colleagues and organizations that I respect prop up a man who would cause harm to the communities we serve.” The senator’s full statement is attached. For more on the senator’s rankings, click here.

 

Meanwhile, reacting to Ramos’s endorsement of Cuomo, Espaillat wrote on June 6, “Leadership takes courage. @jessicaramosqns commitment to the people we serve and the city we love is commendable. I applaud her decision to put politics aside and endorse @andrewcuomo. Welcome to the team!” 

 

Pictured at the same Coalition for Community Concerns endorsement event on May 11 was Bronx Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia (A.D. 86), who broadly represents parts of the west and center Bronx. Tapia was also seen marching alongside Cuomo on Sunday in the Puerto Rican Day Parade in a photo later shared by the former governor.

 

On May 16, Tapia had shared a reply on X by a social media account entitled, “Mom of Walton the Truth Will Out” to a post by Rivera in which the senator was critical of remarks made by Cuomo to a female radio host during an interview on Spanish language radio station Mega 97.9 FM. Tapia had accompanied Cuomo to the interview and acted as translator.

 

During the interview with several cohosts, the female host talked about how New York City Mayor Eric Adams was known for his interactions with the City’s Hispanic population. [Mamdani, Cuomo’s closest rival candidate, is also a fluent Spanish speaker.] “He [Adams] has been actively engaging with the Latin American community,” the female cohost said. “He’s out there all the time, even dancing merengue [a vibrant Dominican dance and music style]. I want to know if Andrew Cuomo will be willing to dance merengue with the Dominicans.”

 

Cuomo then said, “Are you asking me if I want to go dancing with you?” The female cohost can be heard laughing and appeared to say, “Yes,” though it’s hard to hear. She then asked him, “Can you dance?” Laughing, Cuomo appeared to reply, “If that’s a personal offer, then yes, I’m interested.”

 

The cohosts then asked Cuomo if there was any particular merengue that he liked, with one suggesting the song, “Suavement, [Besame]” / “Gently, [kiss me].” Amid some laughter in the studio from her male co-hosts, one of whom suggested they dance on the spot in the studio, the female host sought to clarify her original question, seemingly looking at Tapia and saying in part in Spanish, “We want to see how he [Cuomo] will connect with us [culturally].”

 

Looking a little uncomfortable, Tapia then intervened, broadly saying that Cuomo did connect with Latinos. Speaking in Spanish, she said, “He’s been in The Bronx various times speaking with the people, saying what he’s going to do for them, what he has done, what his experience has been, and his guarantees [about what he will do to help them].”

Some lively music followed and the hosts were then seen swaying in their seats to the music for around 30 seconds. At one point, though he is not seen in the shot, the female cohost raised her hand and appeared to decline an offer from Cuomo, who was seated next to her, to get up and dance. Cuomo is then seen appearing somewhat uncomfortable as the music continues.

 

As the interview came to a close, Cuomo then turned to the female cohost and asked, “I want to know if we have a date?” In response to the interview, Rivera later shared a clip from the video and wrote, “Dude. Can’t leave a lady alone while she’s doing her job. This ain’t a singles bar you gargoyle looking creep.”

 

The social media user who replied to Rivera on May 16, which Tapia reposted, wrote, “Constituents, don’t let Senator Rivera twist the truth without context. He got away with that in 2021. Here is the interview. The women started the flirtation asking if he could dance. Most of the interview was about what he [Cuomo] will do for you.”

 

The following day, on May 17, in what looked like a bit of damage control, Tapia reshared another social media post by Jacqueline Pegue, a political strategist, showing images of a group of seemingly Hispanic women each holding signs in support of Cuomo for mayor. The accompanying text, in Spanish, read, “@andrewcuomo. We’re kicking off with one of the Bronx venues of the campaign of incoming New York City Mayor Andrew Cuomo. Join us to get the city working again. @YudelkaTapia” It was unclear who exactly the women were or where the photo was taken. 

 

Later, on June 6, following the announcement of Ramos’s decision to endorse Cuomo, Tapia wrote on social media, “Thank you! to Senator @jessicaramosqns for endorsing @andrewcuomo for Mayor. Our city is in a crisis that only one with experience and courage can solve and that is @andrewcuomo. He will bring results to our communities!”

 

For some recent campaign financing reporting, click here. On Tuesday, June 10, former Democratic Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg endorsed Cuomo for mayor.

 

As also reported, later on Sunday, Espaillat, a Dominican who is chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, along with Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), a Puerto Rican who represents parts of Brooklyn, was refused entry to the 10th floor of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. The two were attempting to conduct oversight of the facility amid allegations of “overcrowding, unbearable heat, and people being forced to sleep on bathroom floors.” Read more here.

 

Primary Election Day in New York is Tuesday, June 24. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Early Voting runs from June 14- 22. To be eligible to register to vote, a person must be a U.S. citizen; be 18 years old on June 24; a New York State resident for at least 30 days before the election; not be in prison for a felony conviction; not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; and not claim the right to vote elsewhere. The last day to register to vote in person is June 14. Applications to register to vote by mail must also be received by June 14. For more information, click here.