NYC mayoral race: Faith leaders representing over 150 congregations back Andrew Cuomo

Independent New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo was endorsed on Saturday by the United Clergy Coalition , an alliance of faith leaders representing more than 150 congregations.

Coalition members cited Cuomo’s previous leadership as New York State governor, his detailed plans to “rebuild trust” between communities and law enforcement, his plan to expand access to affordable housing, and his support for neighbourhood-based economic development as key factors in their decision to back him, New York Daily News reported.

The election is on November 4.

“Grateful to have the endorsement of the United Clergy Coalition — representing more than 150 congregations across NYC. Faith leaders have always been at the heart of our city’s progress. Together, we’ll build a safer, fairer and more hopeful New York for all,” Cuomo said on X.

“We stand with Governor Andrew Cuomo because of his proven experience, steady leadership during times of crisis, and wisdom in guiding our city and state through challenging moments,” said Bishop Gerald Seabrooks of Rehoboth Cathedral in Brooklyn, the president of the United Clergy Coalition.

The prominent clergy group’s support comes after Cuomo was formally endorsed by Mayor Adams on Thursday to succeed him. “Now it’s time to fight for the family, and I’m going to fight for the family with Andrew Cuomo as the next mayor,” Adams said after embracing the former governor at a Thursday afternoon endorsement press conference in Harlem.

Earlier, outgoing New York Mayor Eric Adams endorsed Cuomo in the November mayoral election, The New York Times reported Thursday. Adams, who has been mired in corruption allegations linked to his term in office, dropped out of the race on September 28 but did not initially endorse a rival.

Cuomo, a former governor of New York, is trailing the race's frontrunner, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, while the Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is a distant third.