ADDED INSULT – Top Unions SWITCH Support from Adams!

Andrew Cuomo surges ahead in the NYC mayoral race as EMS workers, hotel unions, and building workers abandon incumbent Eric Adams amid growing labor disputes and unfulfilled promises.

At a Glance

  • Two major NYC unions—Hotel Trades Council and Local 32 BJ—have switched their support from incumbent Eric Adams to former Governor Andrew Cuomo
  • NYC EMS workers unions representing over 4,700 members endorsed Cuomo, citing lapsed contracts and inadequate compensation under Adams
  • Adams has withdrawn from the Democratic primary and will run as an independent after falling behind Cuomo in polls
  • EMS response times have increased due to staffing shortages, with some workers reportedly living in homeless shelters
  • Several lawmakers, including Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres, have publicly endorsed Cuomo’s mayoral bid

Labor Unions Abandon Adams for Cuomo

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign has gained significant momentum with endorsements from major labor unions previously aligned with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. The Hotel Trades Council and Local 32 BJ of the Service Employees International, which backed Adams four years ago, have now shifted allegiance to Cuomo.

This development represents a substantial blow to Adams, who continues to lose key supports as he pivots to an independent run after dropping out of the Democratic primary race.

The endorsement shift follows a pattern of eroding support for Adams among organized labor. Two unions representing New York City’s emergency medical service workers—FDNY EMS Local 2507 and Uniformed EMS Officers Union Local 3621—recently backed Cuomo.

These unions represent approximately 4,700 workers including EMTs, paramedics, fire protection inspectors, and EMS officers who have been working without contracts under the Adams administration.

EMS Worker Grievances Fuel Cuomo Support

The EMS unions’ switch to Cuomo stems from longstanding grievances about compensation and working conditions. According to union leaders, many emergency medical workers struggle financially despite performing life-saving work. Ambulance response times have increased due to staffing shortages and recruiting difficulties, creating what union officials describe as an unsustainable situation that endangers public safety.

Cuomo has seized the opportunity to position himself as an advocate for first responders, promising to address compensation issues and improve resources for EMS personnel. The former governor has claimed that some EMS workers and their families are living in homeless shelters due to inadequate pay, vowing to make emergency medical services a respected and desirable career path. Union leadership has expressed confidence in Cuomo’s ability to deliver results based on his track record during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adams Faces Uphill Battle as an Independent

Mayor Eric Adams’ decision to withdraw from the Democratic primary and run as an independent reflects the challenges he faces in maintaining political viability. Polling data showed Adams trailing Cuomo even before his switch to independent status, suggesting voters have grown dissatisfied with his leadership. The loss of union endorsements further complicates Adams’ path to reelection by removing crucial organizational support that helps mobilize voters.

Cuomo has consolidated support beyond labor unions, securing endorsements from elected officials including Bronx Representative Ritchie Torres. This growing coalition suggests the former governor has successfully rehabilitated his political standing following his resignation amid sexual harassment allegations. For Adams, the shifting landscape presents significant obstacles as he attempts to craft a winning independent campaign in a city with overwhelming Democratic voter registration advantage.

Public Safety Concerns Shape Campaign Narrative

Emergency response capabilities have emerged as a central issue in the race, with Cuomo positioning himself as the candidate who can address critical public safety concerns. Increased ambulance response times under the Adams administration have created vulnerability that Cuomo has exploited by promising concrete solutions. The former governor has framed EMS workers as essential frontline personnel who deserve better treatment than they’ve received from the current city leadership.

“Our EMS first responders are on the frontlines of every emergency. They are often the critical link that keeps a loved one alive when tragedy strikes,” said Andrew Cuomo.

With the election approaching, the endorsement landscape continues to evolve. As Adams regroups and develops his independent campaign strategy, Cuomo appears to be building momentum in what promises to be one of the most closely watched mayoral races in recent New York City history. The contest will test whether Adams can overcome the significant setbacks to his reelection prospects and whether voters are ready to embrace Cuomo’s return to political leadership in the nation’s largest city.

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