Puerto Rico’s Democratic Party leader endorses Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor in a notable political move.

The Democratic Party of Puerto Rico has officially endorsed Andrew Cuomo for the position of mayor of New York City, marking a notable extension of the party’s influence into the political landscape of the mainland United States. Typically focused on local matters pertinent to Puerto Rico, this endorsement signifies a strategic alignment with Cuomo’s campaign as he vies for mayoral office.

Luis Dávila Pernas, the chairman of the Puerto Rican Democratic Party, publicly declared his support in a newly launched campaign advertisement. The ad is set to be broadcast across television and digital media platforms during the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade in Manhattan. Cuomo’s campaign is investing approximately 0,000 to promote this advertisement over the course of a week, coinciding with one of the largest celebrations of Puerto Rican culture in the United States.

In the one-minute advertisement, which has garnered attention prior to its official release, Dávila Pernas asserts that Cuomo has consistently demonstrated his solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico. He highlights Cuomo’s proactive measures following significant crises, including the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, when Cuomo traveled to Puerto Rico to coordinate humanitarian aid amid federal inaction. Dávila Pernas also cites Cuomo’s presence on the island during the 2020 earthquake recovery efforts, underscoring the former governor’s commitment to supporting Puerto Rican communities during times of need.

As the Puerto Rican Day Parade approaches, Dávila Pernas emphasizes the importance of recognizing Cuomo’s contributions to Puerto Rico during challenging times. This endorsement is particularly relevant given the substantial Puerto Rican population residing in New York City, making their votes critical in the upcoming elections.

Cuomo, who resigned from the governorship in 2021 amid allegations of sexual misconduct and concerns regarding his administration’s handling of nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, will participate in the parade, joining a host of local politicians. Notably, Mayor Eric Adams, who has withdrawn from the Democratic primary race due to legal issues stemming from the previous administration, is also expected to be in attendance.

Cuomo’s ad campaign aims to connect with the Puerto Rican community and broader Hispanic voter base, which plays a pivotal role in New York City’s electoral landscape. Recent polling indicates that Cuomo remains a frontrunner in the upcoming Democratic mayoral primary scheduled for June 24. However, emerging candidates, such as Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, are gaining traction, suggesting a competitive race as the election date approaches.

The endorsement from the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico not only reinforces Cuomo’s outreach efforts but also highlights the ongoing significance of Puerto Rican political dynamics within New York City.