By: Nick Carroway

As first reported by the New York Post, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat has thrown his support behind former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the race for New York City mayor — a move that could solidify Cuomo’s backing in Latino communities across northern Manhattan and the Bronx.

According to the New York Post, Espaillat made the endorsement during a spirited Mother’s Day celebration in the Bronx on Saturday night. Addressing a crowd largely made up of women, Espaillat gave a passionate, bilingual speech urging voters to rally behind Cuomo. The former governor resigned from office in 2021 amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied. Despite that, Espaillat praised Cuomo’s intentions and leadership qualities.

“He has the best intentions in his heart,” Espaillat told the crowd, according to a video shared and first reported by the New York Post. “He needs you — the mothers, the daughters, and the granddaughters of this city — so he can make it better.”

As the New York Post also reported, Espaillat’s endorsement was echoed by his affiliated group, the Coalition for Community Concerns, a Bronx-based organization made up of local leaders, business owners, and political allies. The group issued a statement following the endorsement, describing Cuomo as an experienced leader capable of addressing urgent issues facing New Yorkers — including rising housing costs, growing public safety concerns, and conflicts with federal authorities.

This endorsement makes Espaillat the third sitting member of Congress to back Cuomo’s comeback bid, the New York Post noted. Earlier, Reps. Ritchie Torres and Gregory Meeks also publicly announced their support for Cuomo’s campaign.

As reported by the New York Post, the event was hosted by Assemblyman George Alvarez, who also formally endorsed Cuomo during the gathering. Alvarez, who represents the 78th Assembly District in the Bronx, is a member of Espaillat’s coalition and pointed to Cuomo’s policy track record in making his case for the former governor’s return to public office.

“His record proves he’s the right person to handle the problems our city is facing,” Alvarez said, according to the New York Post. “Whether it’s creating affordable housing or making neighborhoods safer, the Bronx needs someone ready to lead from Day One. We’ve done it before with him, and we can do it again.”

Cuomo, who appeared energized and upbeat at the event, responded by thanking both lawmakers and vowing to prioritize the Bronx in his administration if elected. “No one will do more for the Bronx than we will together,” Cuomo told attendees, as the New York Post captured in its coverage.

“The Bronx has been ignored for far too long,” Cuomo said, according to the Post. “We’re going to change that. We’re going to bring safety back to the streets, make housing more affordable, and open up jobs like never before.”

As the New York Post continues to report, Cuomo’s candidacy remains controversial, but his base of support appears to be growing — especially among elected officials in diverse and working-class communities across the city.