In a move that consolidates support for incumbents, former New York Governor David Paterson has decided to endorse Mayor Eric Adams for re-election. Amidst a field where Adams is currently trailing, Paterson's backing comes as a significant boost. Paterson, who previously supported Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, is slated to make his endorsement official on the steps of City Hall at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to an interview with WABC-AM radio, reported by ABC7NY, Paterson refrained from endorsing Adams earlier due to the latter's indictment and other issues but feels the timing to support him is now right. Despite Adams polling at just 7% in a recent poll, Paterson believes "He is the person whose record, between the beginning of 2022 and the end of 2025, will be as good as any mayor that preceded him, maybe going back to Giuliani."
A recent Siena College poll has thrown the mayoral race into sharp relief, with Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani holding a commanding lead. The poll shows Mamdani with 44% of voter support, followed by Cuomo with 25%, Republican Curtis Sliwa with 12%, and Mayor Adams at a distant fourth with just 7%. Yet, this poll had a margin of error of almost 7% and surveyed a mere 317 registered city voters, leading some to question its accuracy. Nevertheless, Adams appeared unfazed, telling CBS News New York, "This is going to be the most unique mayoral race in the history of this city."
Paterson's political maneuvering also included an appeal for unity against the surging Mamdani. As CBS News New York reports, he previously called on independents to coalesce and suggested either Adams or Cuomo should drop their independent campaign in support of the other. Wednesday's political theatre unfolds with Mamdani on his five borough tour and Sliwa campaigning in the subway, while Cuomo had no public events scheduled.
