Two highly effective unions whose management referred to as on former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign in 2021 over sexual harassment allegations at the moment are endorsing Cuomo’s bid for mayor, giving a lift to his rising lead over opponents within the Democratic major.
The unions, 32BJ SEIU and the Resort and Gaming Trades Council — which collectively signify round 125,000 constructing and resort staff — had been seen as key to Mayor Adams’ 2021 victory.
“In these challenging times for New Yorkers, it is critical that we have a mayor with a proven history of effective government management to lead us towards a better future,” HTC President Wealthy Maroko mentioned in a press release.
FILE – 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich delivers remarks as 32BJ SEIU and Energy to the Sufferers rally exterior of New York-Presbyterian Hospital for extra reasonably priced and sincere healthcare, Wednesday, Could 29, 2024 in New York. (Jason DeCrow/AP Photographs for Energy to the Sufferers)
The chief added that the endorsement comes because the union’s citywide resort contract is up for renegotiation.
“As Andrew Cuomo said when he recently addressed our members, when we need him in a fight, he will be in the foxhole with us until the end,” Maroko mentioned.
Maroko beforehand referred to as on Cuomo to resign, calling the allegations of sexual harassment, which Cuomo has denied, “deeply disturbing.”
HTC President Wealthy Maroko speaks at rally in 2021. (Photograph by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket through Getty Photographs)
The previous head of 32BJ, Kyle Bragg, additionally had referred to as on Cuomo to resign as governor when the allegations got here to gentle in 2021.
These endorsements are simply the most recent teams to place their weight behind Cuomo after calling for him to step down in 2021. A spokesperson for HTC referred to Maroko’s assertion, saying the union made the choice primarily based on what’s finest for its members now.
Manny Pastreich, present President of 32BJ, mentioned in a press release he endorsing the previous governor partly as a result of Cuomo would have the ability to combat again towards the president’s offensives on the town.
“Andrew Cuomo is equipped to stand up to attacks on our city that threaten our finances, our jobs, our public transportation, our healthcare, our social security and our rights,” Pastreich mentioned.
Pastreich mentioned in a press release that the decision for Cuomo’s resignation got here because the allegations made “governing untenable” when the state wanted sturdy management, and that Trump’s threats to the town necessitate a pacesetter like Cuomo now.
“[T]heir faith in me is a tremendous boost for our campaign and I am proud to have their endorsement,” Cuomo mentioned of the unions.
Cuomo has beforehand gained endorsements from unions representing carpenters, electrical staff, EMTs, paramedics and hearth inspectors, amongst others. Lots of these unions, in addition to others now endorsing Cuomo, additionally referred to as on the then-governor to resign in 2021.
Initially Printed: April 14, 2025 at 3:19 PM EDT
