A leading Haitian-American legislator in New York has endorsed former New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo for Mayor of New York City.
Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, was joined in united support by myriad district leaders, executive committee members, and Brooklyn-based elected officials in a meeting two Sundays at Junior’s Restaurant, downtown Brooklyn, with Cuomo to showcase county-wide support for Cuomo’s candidacy.
“Andrew Cuomo has steadfastly served as an exemplary public servant for the betterment of our City and State for decades, starting right here in Brooklyn, where he began as a community advocate,” said Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn.
“Cuomo never forgot his roots, or the importance of fighting for equality and opportunity, as he served as Attorney General of New York, starting in 2016, then as our governor for 11 years,” she added.
“During his tenure, he led our city through the darkest depths of the COVID pandemic while instituting real change that made New York City safer, stronger, and more liveable and affordable for all.
“As the leader of the largest and most diverse Democratic County Party in New York – and the nation – I know the experienced leadership we need to steer our city forward,” Bichotte Hermelyn continued.
“We deserve a battle-tested and visionary Democrat to keep leading New York City through some of its most challenging times, and only Andrew Cuomo has the unique insights, real-world experience, and proven leadership skills needed to navigate the complexities of our city’s continued recovery and growth,” she said.
Joining Bichotte Hermelyn in endorsing Cuomo for Mayor were a broad swath of Brooklyn’s elected officials and district leaders.
They included New York State Assemblymembers Latrice Walker, Erik Dilan, William Colton, and New York City Council Members Susan Zhuang, Farah Louis, and Darlene Mealy.
Brooklyn Democratic Party Leaders endorsing include former Brooklyn Democratic Party Chairman Frank Seddio.
“Given that all parts of Brooklyn – North, South, and Central – that make up this beautiful mosaic of diversity in the borough are throwing support is a reflection of the high approval and polling rates of Cuomo,” Bichotte Hermelyn said.
“Cuomo not only has the right leadership skills but has an extensive plan with a strong network of support to tackle the unique issues and crisis our city is facing today, including a lack of affordability; rising mental health, addiction, and homelessness rates; and barriers to accessing education,” she added.
“I’m proud to endorse Andrew Cuomo for Mayor, along with my Brooklyn electeds, district leaders, and County Committee members, because he has tackled our city’s issues, and I’m confident he’ll do it again—while improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers and building a brighter future for Brooklyn together with us,” the Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair continued.
Last week, the Rev. Michael Blake, a Jamaican-American candidate for Mayor of the City of New York, officially launched Project 2026 NYC.
Blake, the son of Jamaican immigrants, told Caribbean Life that he introduced Project 2026 NYC as “a bold, New York-first initiative designed to push back against federal overreach and build a stronger, more resilient city.”
He said his platform prioritizes economic justice, tenant protections, and social services to ensure New Yorkers thrive.
“New York needs leadership that delivers policies to improve lives, not scandals and excuses,” said Blake, a former New York State Assembly Member, Democratic National Committee Vice Chair and aide to former United States President Barack Obama.
“I’m the only person in this race who has worked at every level—federal, state, nonprofit, and business—to turn resources into tangible and positive results for our five boroughs,” he added.
“While others in this race are focused on staying out of jail by cozying up to a president who wants to cut our city’s social services or using taxpayer dollars to defend their transgressions after resigning as governor, I’m focused on defending our city’s future,” continued Blake, clearly taking a dig at New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Cuomo.
“New York is the wealthiest city in the world—there is no reason a person should go unhoused, hungry, or forgotten,” he said.
Blake outlined key priorities of Project 2026 NYC, including no federal cuts, guaranteed income, universal childcare, taxing empty apartments, paying faster, eliminating credit checks, free City University of New York (CUNY) tuition, cash for content, reproductive rights protections, and immigration protections.
