The Cuomo endorsement from Diaz is a blow to the embattled mayor, who had the ex-BP’s backing for his profitable 2021 run. In 2021, Adams relied closely on Diaz to drive turnout for him amongst Latino voters, particularly within the Bronx, a constituency that was seen as key in carrying him to a slim victory in that yr’s contest.
“I am proud to support Andrew Cuomo to be our next mayor, and I know he will be the fighter we need to deliver effective solutions on crime, disorder, housing, affordability, education and so many other issues,” Diaz stated within the assertion, which additionally credited Cuomo for working “hand-in-hand” with him on Bronx group tasks when he was BP.
“I have seen firsthand how effective a leader he can be, and I know that Andrew Cuomo can deliver for us as our next mayor. I encourage all Democrats to support him in the June primary and send him to fight for us in City Hall.”
Vito Pitta, Adams’ marketing campaign lawyer, didn’t return a request for touch upon Diaz’s endorsement.
Diaz and Adams have recognized one another for the reason that late Nineties, when the mayor was nonetheless within the NYPD.
After turning into term-limited from working for BP once more in 2021, Diaz began working as a lobbyist representing shoppers with metropolis enterprise. Data present he has over the previous few years instantly lobbied high members of Adams’ administration, together with ex-chief adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who resigned final yr shortly earlier than being indicted on bribery prices.
Diaz additionally gave $400 — the max a lobbyist can provide to a mayoral candidate — to Adams’ reelection marketing campaign in July 2023.
Final Might, Adams appointed Diaz as one among 13 members to serve on his first Constitution Revision Fee, which bought referendum questions onto November’s election poll.
Diaz is amongst a rising group of Adams supporters who’re embracing Cuomo’s marketing campaign because the mayor continues to face intense political headwinds amid the controversy surrounding his ongoing federal corruption indictment and document low approval scores.
Final week, Harlem Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs, a key Adams ally in Albany, endorsed Cuomo for mayor. Earlier this week, Brooklyn Councilwoman Farah Louis — who endorsed Adams in 2021 — introduced she’s additionally backing Cuomo within the June 24 mayoral major.
Initially Printed: March 6, 2025 at 10:28 AM EST
