Former New York gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon, who nearly ended Andrew Cuomo’s political career in the 2018 Democratic primary, is now throwing her support behind her former rival for a new role: mayor of New York City.
In a recent interview with Politico, Nixon expressed her belief that Cuomo should run for mayor in the upcoming election, citing his experience and leadership qualities as reasons for her endorsement. “I think he would be a terrific mayor,” she stated.
This endorsement comes as a surprise to many, considering the contentious history between Nixon and Cuomo. In the 2018 primary race for governor, Nixon challenged Cuomo from the left, criticizing his record on issues like public education, healthcare, and corruption. While Cuomo ultimately won the primary, Nixon’s campaign exposed some of his vulnerabilities and forced him to shift further to the left on certain policy positions.
Despite their past rivalry, Nixon now believes that Cuomo is the best candidate to lead New York City through its current challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and social justice issues. She praised his handling of the pandemic as governor and expressed confidence in his ability to navigate the city’s complex political landscape.
Nixon’s endorsement of Cuomo for mayor has sparked mixed reactions within the Democratic Party and among New York voters. Some see it as a strategic move to unite the party and prevent a more progressive candidate from winning the mayoral race. Others view it as a betrayal of the progressive values Nixon espoused during her own campaign.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding her endorsement, Nixon’s support could give Cuomo a significant boost in his potential bid for mayor. With her grassroots organizing experience and progressive credentials, Nixon could help mobilize voters who may have been wary of Cuomo in the past.
As the race for mayor of New York City heats up, Cuomo’s potential candidacy is sure to generate further debate and speculation. Whether he ultimately decides to run or not, the endorsement from his former rival Cynthia Nixon adds an interesting twist to the already crowded field of candidates vying for the city’s top job.
