Jessica Ramos supports Andrew Cuomo’s NYC mayoral bid despite previous concerns about his mental acuity.

In a surprising political shift, Jessica Ramos, a state senator from Queens and a back-of-the-pack candidate in the New York City mayoral race, has announced her endorsement for her leading opponent, Andrew Cuomo. This endorsement comes just weeks after she publicly challenged Cuomo’s mental capacity and referred to it in terms similar to those used regarding former President Joe Biden. Media News Source has confirmed that Ramos is expected to formally support Cuomo’s campaign in a press conference scheduled for Friday morning in Manhattan.

Ramos, who has garnered relatively low support in the race—polls indicate she is consistently polling at 1% or lower—had previously been vocal about her criticisms of Cuomo, particularly regarding his tenure as governor, during which he was accused of sexual misconduct and mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Democratic Party, Ramos aligned herself with progressive principles and was one of many lawmakers who called for Cuomo’s resignation in 2021.

Despite her previous critiques, Ramos has stated that she believes Cuomo is best positioned to lead the city effectively, particularly in light of political uncertainties stemming from the current national atmosphere under President Trump. This endorsement, while a significant pivot, reveals Ramos’s strategic recognition that her campaign lacked a viable path to victory. Though she intends to keep her name on the ballot, the endorsement illustrates the complexities of political alignments within New York’s Democratic Party.

Financially, Ramos has struggled to compete with her more established rivals, failing to secure sufficient funds to qualify for matching funds, with her latest campaign filing revealing a mere ,000 in her campaign account. Her endorsement of Cuomo could be interpreted as an attempt to align with a candidate who, according to most recent polls, is favored to win the Democratic primary scheduled for June 24.

Prior to this turning point, Ramos raised concerns about Cuomo’s mental fitness and the potential implications this could have for the city. In April, she questioned his ability to lead, stating that New York could not afford any lapses in leadership akin to those observed during Biden’s tenure. Such comments have historically drawn sharp retorts from Cuomo’s camp, underscoring the contentious relationship between the two.

Overall, Ramos’s endorsement, especially after previously questioning Cuomo’s competence, represents a notable evolution in her political strategy as the mayoral election approaches. As she navigates her campaign amidst growing competition from other progressive candidates, she has increasingly demonstrated a willingness to adapt her stance in pursuit of political relevance and influence within her party.

The upcoming Democratic primary will undoubtedly be a defining moment for both candidates as they seek to galvanize voters and articulate their visions for the future of New York City in a rapidly changing political landscape.