In an unexpected twist in the New York City mayoral race, State Senator Jessica Ramos has now reportedly endorsed Andrew Cuomo, a candidate she heavily criticized just weeks prior.
The endorsement, announced at a campaign event, marks a significant shift for Ramos, who previously condemned Cuomo as a “corrupt bully” with a history of alleged sexual misconduct and questionable mental acuity.
Ramos’s about-face comes as her own campaign struggles to gain traction. Once seen as a rising star among progressives, she now finds herself polling low and facing financial difficulties.
With Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsing five of her rivals, Ramos’s isolation within the left has become increasingly apparent.
In a recent debate, she redirected her criticisms toward Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who has surged in popularity, suggesting that while experience is valuable, effective campaigning may hinge more on social media presence.
Cuomo, who has been attempting a political comeback after resigning in disgrace in 2021, welcomed Ramos’s support.
His campaign, characterized by a focus on public safety and economic recovery, appears to be gaining momentum, particularly as he positions himself as a candidate capable of addressing the city’s needs.
He noted their shared Queens roots and expressed a commitment to collaborate on issues like raising the minimum wage to $20.
Just weeks ago, Ramos had lambasted Cuomo’s “vanity comeback tour,” arguing that his leadership during the pandemic left New Yorkers in dire need of mental health services and housing.
Her remarks had painted a grim picture of Cuomo’s legacy, accusing him of being out of touch with the realities faced by constituents.
“People may want to be courteous to Cuomo’s face, but they don’t forget the people he sent to die,” she had tweeted, referencing the many lives lost during the pandemic.
Ramos’s decision to endorse Cuomo has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about the underlying strategies in New York’s contentious political landscape.
Some view her pivot as a pragmatic move to align herself with a candidate who still holds substantial name recognition and support among certain voter blocs.
As Cuomo’s campaign gains traction, the dynamics of the race are shifting.
While Ramos once positioned herself as a challenger to Cuomo’s established political machine, her endorsement suggests a potential consolidation of support that could reshape the electoral contest.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this strategic alliance can reinvigorate Ramos’s campaign or if it will further complicate her standing among progressive voters.
In a city grappling with a host of pressing issues, the endorsement signifies more than just a shift in allegiance; it reflects the unpredictable nature of political fortunes and the complex calculations that define electoral strategies in New York.
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