Citizens Union endorses Cuomo for mayoral candidacy despite previous impeachment demand in 2021.
The Citizens Union, one of the oldest good governance organizations in New York, has made a surprising endorsement in the upcoming 2025 mayoral race, lending its support to former Governor Andrew Cuomo, among others. This endorsement comes in stark contrast to the organization’s previous stance, where it called for Cuomo’s resignation in 2021 following allegations of sexual misconduct, as described in an announcement shared exclusively with Media News Source.
In its endorsement for the Democratic primary scheduled for June 24, the Citizens Union has rallied behind not only Cuomo but also fellow candidates Brad Lander and Zellnor Myrie. The organization, which was established in 1897 to counter the influence of the Tammany Hall political machine, did not specify a ranking among the three candidates, instead opting to endorse them collectively. The board expressed that this decision, while unconventional, serves a greater purpose in providing voters with a multifaceted understanding of the electoral landscape.
The board indicated that no single candidate possesses all the requisite qualities to tackle the myriad challenges facing the city. It emphasized that New Yorkers have the option to rank up to five candidates, which allows for a more nuanced voting process. The Citizens Union believes that their composite endorsement could offer voters a clearer perspective during this unusual election cycle.
Cuomo described the endorsement as an honor at a critical juncture for New York City. However, this support contrasts sharply with the organization’s earlier stance. In August 2021, the group’s then-chairman, Randy Mastro, condemned Cuomo’s refusal to resign after findings by State Attorney General Letitia James that he had sexually harassed subordinates, violating federal and state laws. Mastro called for immediate impeachment proceedings against the governor, a statement which has since gained notoriety in the political discourse surrounding Cuomo.
Despite his resignation just days later, the Citizens Union has acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding Cuomo’s gubernatorial legacy, citing ethical issues and misuse of power. Grace Rauh, the executive director of the Citizens Union, noted that the endorsement decision prompted intense debate among board members, though she withheld detailed voting results.
In addition to Cuomo, the endorsement spans across Lander and Myrie. The Citizens Union praised Lander for his commitment to transparency and reform but pointed out the need for him to prove his leadership capabilities. Myrie was recognized as representing a new generation of reformers, with the potential for significant contributions to City Hall, despite lacking prior executive experience.
The Citizens Union is the latest in a growing list of organizations that have expressed support for Cuomo’s mayoral aspirations, despite pressing for his resignation two years ago. Politically influential unions, such as the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and 32BJ, similarly endorsed Cuomo earlier this year. Polling data suggests that Cuomo remains a frontrunner in the primary contest, although Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is narrowing the gap, having consistently polled as a contender. It is worth noting that Mamdani did not participate in the Citizens Union’s endorsement consideration process, according to the group’s statement.
