1199SEIU, NYC’s largest health care union, endorses Cuomo despite earlier resignation demand.

In a significant political development, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo secured the endorsement of 1199SEIU, New York’s largest union for health care workers, in his bid for the mayoralty. This endorsement highlights a rising trend of organized labor support for Cuomo, who is campaigning to regain a prominent position in New York’s political landscape.

The union, which represents approximately 200,000 nurses, therapists, hospital staff, and various other health care workers, noted that Cuomo’s prior tenure as governor was marked by critical legislative achievements, such as increasing the state’s minimum wage to and expanding paid family leave. These initiatives, the union stated, reflect Cuomo’s commitment to improving conditions for workers, a sentiment echoed by George Gresham, the union’s president and a longstanding ally of Cuomo. Gresham emphasized the dire challenges facing the city and underlined the need for experienced leadership to navigate these turbulent times.

Interestingly, Gresham had previously called for Cuomo’s resignation in 2021 amidst allegations of sexual harassment from multiple women. Despite this past controversy, the union’s endorsement demonstrates a pragmatic approach to political alliances, prioritizing what they perceive as the future needs of workers in the city.

Cuomo expressed gratitude for the union’s backing, stating that the contributions of 1199SEIU members are essential to the health care system in New York, especially during crises. The endorsement comes as Cuomo is projected to perform strongly in the upcoming Democratic primary set for June 24, with various other influential labor organizations also rallying behind him, including 32BJ and the Hotel Trades and Gaming Council. Both of these unions, like 1199SEIU, demanded Cuomo’s resignation during his tenure as governor.

In contrast, a notable split within labor support emerged this week when DC 37, the city’s largest municipal workers’ union, chose to endorse Council Speaker Adrienne Adams for mayor rather than Cuomo. The decision was influenced by Cuomo’s budgetary decisions as governor, which included cuts to benefits for public sector retirees—a move that has drawn criticism from various labor factions.

With the Democratic primary approaching, the political landscape remains dynamic, especially as current Mayor Eric Adams transitions his campaign strategy. Adams has opted to seek reelection as an independent in the November general election, navigating the aftermath of his own political challenges.

As the race for mayor intensifies, the endorsements and political alignments among New York’s labor organizations will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the electoral prospects for the candidates involved.