Rep. Suozzi Endorses Cuomo Over Socialist Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race

Rep. Tom Suozzi, a centrist Democrat representing parts of Queens and Nassau County, has endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the closely contested 2025 New York City mayoral race, rejecting Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani due to his socialist platform and perceived lack of experience. Suozzi emphasized the need for leadership focused on fighting crime, creating jobs, and keeping taxes low, contrasting this with Mamdani's proposals such as rent freezes and expanding public services. Cuomo, running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani, has been gaining ground in polls and is hoping to attract moderate and conservative voters, including those who might otherwise support Republican Curtis Sliwa. Republican City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov and other GOP figures have withdrawn support for Sliwa to back Cuomo, viewing him as the best candidate to prevent Mamdani's election, whom they criticize as anti-American and anti-police. Mamdani maintains a lead in the race with endorsements from prominent Democrats like Gov. Kathy Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, focusing his campaign on economic change and affordability, particularly in the Bronx. The mayoral contest remains highly competitive, with early voting underway and candidates making final appeals across the city's diverse constituencies.