Assembly Member Bichotte Hermelyn Endorses Andrew Cuomo for NYC Mayor
In a surprising turn of events, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the head of Brooklyn’s Democratic Party, has thrown her support behind former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for the position of mayor of New York City. This endorsement comes as a critical blow to Mayor Eric Adams’ re-election campaign, as Bichotte Hermelyn had previously backed him four years ago, and even stood by him following his criminal indictment last year.
Bichotte Hermelyn, who currently serves as the state Assembly majority whip, cited Cuomo’s extensive experience as both the governor of New York and the state’s attorney general as pivotal factors that make him a suitable candidate to lead the city. She emphasized Cuomo’s roots in Brooklyn, where he started as a community advocate before ascending to higher political offices, noting that he has always been an advocate for equality and opportunity.
Despite Cuomo’s scandal-ridden political career, including his resignation as governor in 2021 amidst allegations of sexual misconduct, Bichotte Hermelyn expressed confidence in his ability to address the pressing issues facing New York City today. She pointed to his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the changes he implemented to make the city safer, stronger, and more affordable for all residents.
Challenges and Controversies
Cuomo’s tenure as governor was marred by controversies, particularly regarding his handling of nursing homes during the pandemic. However, Bichotte Hermelyn believes that Cuomo is well-equipped to tackle the city’s most pressing challenges, such as affordability, crime, and homelessness. She praised his leadership skills and detailed plan to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of having a strong network of support in place.
While endorsing Cuomo, Bichotte Hermelyn also acknowledged the tough road ahead for the mayoral candidate, as he faces stiff competition from other key contenders in the 2025 mayoral race, including NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and the incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. Despite the odds, she expressed confidence in Cuomo’s ability to navigate the complexities of the race and emerge victorious.
A Unified Vision
In response to Bichotte Hermelyn’s endorsement, Cuomo expressed gratitude for her support and highlighted her achievements in office. He praised her as a valuable ally in government and emphasized their shared commitment to advancing policies that benefit working-class New Yorkers. Cuomo lauded Bichotte Hermelyn’s leadership within the Democratic Party, particularly in Brooklyn, which boasts the largest number of Democrats in any county in the nation.
As the Democratic mayoral primary approaches on June 24, all eyes are on Cuomo as he seeks to secure the party’s nomination. With Bichotte Hermelyn’s endorsement and support, Cuomo is counting on a unified front to propel his campaign forward and rally voters behind his vision for a brighter future for New York City.
In conclusion, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn’s endorsement of Andrew Cuomo for NYC mayor marks a significant moment in the ongoing mayoral race. Despite the challenges and controversies that have defined Cuomo’s political career, Bichotte Hermelyn’s support signals a belief in his ability to lead the city through turbulent times and address the critical issues facing its residents. As the campaign heats up, Cuomo’s candidacy gains momentum with the backing of a key Democratic leader, setting the stage for a fierce battle for the mayoral seat in the months to come.