Bill Clinton Endorses Andrew Cuomo for New York City Mayor, Citing Leadership Amid Crisis

Former President Bill Clinton has officially endorsed Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City, delivering a significant boost to the former governor’s campaign just days before the Democratic primary. Clinton’s endorsement, announced Sunday, comes as the race between Cuomo and his main rival, State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, tightens and early voting concludes ahead of Tuesday’s election.

Clinton, who appointed Cuomo as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during his administration, praised Cuomo as a “fighter who knows how to make government work” and highlighted their past collaboration on affordable housing and community revitalization. In a recorded robocall distributed to voters, Clinton stated, “He’s a tenacious individual who understands how to make government function, and during a period when our fundamental rights are under threat, I trust he will defend the citizens of this city”.

The former president, now 78 and residing in Westchester County, rarely involves himself in New York City primaries, making this endorsement particularly notable. Clinton described New York City as facing a “crisis,” pointing to urgent needs in affordable housing, homelessness, and public safety, and said Cuomo’s experience uniquely qualifies him to address these challenges. “It is crucial for New York to select a mayor who possesses the skills, talent, and experience necessary for the role,” Clinton said.

Cuomo responded to the endorsement by calling Clinton a “personal mentor, friend, and inspiration,” and emphasized their joint efforts in “creating housing, combating homelessness, and advocating for justice for communities that have frequently been marginalized”.

The endorsement underscores a broader trend among establishment Democrats, many of whom have rallied behind Cuomo over Mamdani, a progressive challenger who has built support among younger and more left-leaning voters. The outcome of the primary is expected to have implications beyond New York City, signaling the direction of the Democratic Party as it contends with internal divisions between centrist and progressive factions.

With early voting already underway and polls showing a narrowing race, Clinton’s backing could prove pivotal in mobilizing older and more moderate Democratic voters as the city heads into a consequential election week.