Andrew Cuomo has picked up another key hard hat endorsement Tuesday in the race for New York City mayor, winning the backing of the Laborers’ International Union.
The New York affiliate of the Laborers Union represents 40,000 members in New York State, which further cements the former governor’s support within the construction trades.
The union backed Cuomo’s rival in the June Democratic primary, former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, in the 2021 mayor’s race.
“New York City is the cultural, economic, and social engine of the world—and leading it requires vision, grit, and proven experience,” said Donato Bianco, Jr., LIUNA vice president.
“In times of change, we need someone who can anticipate challenges, make tough decisions, and adapt with courage and conviction. Andrew Cuomo has done it before, and he’s ready to do it again,” Bianco said.
“With a deep love for this city, a record of real results for working men and women, and the strength to lead in uncertain times, Andrew Cuomo is the clear choice for Mayor. He has earned our full endorsement.”
The union cited Cuomo’s record of building and infrastructure improvements during his 10 years as governor, particularly noting the completion of the first leg of the Second Avenue subway line, the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station and makeovers of LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports.
The Laborers build and repair highways and roads, bridges and office towers, schools, airports; dig tunnels and lay subway and sewer lines, as well as removing asbestos and other hazards.
Cuomo welcomed the latest endorsement from the labor movement.
“The Laborers are the definition of ‘New York Tough’ – they bring true grit to the job and they do their job well. Whether it is rebuilding our subways, digging through tunnels, repairing our roads or constructing our bridges, their contributions show why organized labor must be part of the solution,” Cuomo said.
“As governor, I made sure they received a hard day’s pay for a hard day’s work, and as mayor I’ll make sure their voice is heard on projects that get the job done for this great city.”
Cuomo, 67, has emerged as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary for mayor according to polls, despite resigning as governor in 2021 amid a slew of sexual misconduct accusations that he denies.
He has racked up the most labor union endorsements, despite facing a torrent of criticism from his mayoral rivals and others over the harassment accusations and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing homes.
House Republicans just urged the Trump Justice Department to prosecute Cuomo for making “criminally false statements” to Congress regarding his role in low-balling COVID-linked deaths of nursing home residents during the pandemic.
He dismissed the referral as a partisan hit job.
The ex-governor previously secured the backing of the Iron Workers and unions representing operating engineers, carpenters and painters; Local 32BJ SEIU, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the unions representing paramedics and EMTS and Teamsters Local 237.
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