Mamdani gets second cross-endorsement in bid to defeat Cuomo in New York City mayor's race
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Zohran Mamdani cross-endorsed Michael Blake Monday morning, his second cross-endorsement as he attempts to consolidate support in the later rounds of ranked choice voting.
It comes after Mamdani announced his first cross-endorsement, with Brad Lander, on Friday.
There could be additional cross endorsements, as Mamdani and other candidates strategize how to defeat front runner Andrew Cuomo in ranked choice voting's later rounds.
On Monday, Andrew Cuomo spoke to union workers and promised a higher minimum wage and more cops on city streets. And he suggested he's the obvious choice for mayor because of his experience as governor.
"You wonder why the city's not run well, why? Because we haven't had a qualified, competent mayor who knew how to manage this city," Cuomo said.
Also on Monday, Lander took aim at Cuomo for his handling of nursing home residents during COVID.
"The mayor of New York City must be a person of decency and integrity who will take accountability for their actions," Lander said. "That is just a must. Andrew Cuomo is not a person of decency and integrity."
The New York Times editorial board raised similar issues on Monday about Cuomo saying "we have serious objections to his ethics and conduct, even if he would be better for New York's future than Mr. Mamdani."
As for Mamdani, the board said "We do not believe that Mr. Mamdani deserves a spot on New Yorkers' ballots. His experience is too thin."
And that: "An alternative to the two front-runners is Brad Lander."
But the opinion piece may have less impact than the Tetris-like game of ranked voting.
"Ranked choice voting will decide this election, and Michael and I, one of the many things we agree on from the beginning of this race, has been the necessity of turning the page on the politics of the past, whether it's Eric Adams or Andrew Cuomo," Mamdani said.
And while Cuomo is leading in the polls, ranked choice voting may mean an entirely different candidate could walk away with the nomination.
ALSO READ | Up Close Election Special: Closer look at the candidates for New York City mayor
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
