Jessica Ramos To Endorse Rival Cuomo, But Stay In Race

According to a report from The New York Times, mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos plans to endorse her rival, Andrew Cuomo, in the race for mayor.

The two will appear at a campaign event later today, where Ramos will reportedly make a statement in support of the former Governor.

The move marks a stunning reversal. Just two days ago, Ramos stood in opposition to Cuomo at a Democratic mayoral debate and has been one of his most vocal critics.

In the past, she has heavily criticized him over the sexual harassment allegations that defined the end of his governorship and his administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ramos had also previously called his health into question, comparing his fitness for office to that of President Joe Biden.

While Ramos told the Times that she would remain in the race, endorsing a direct competitor is typically a sign that a candidate believes they no longer have a path to victory.

The decision may be connected to a feeling of abandonment from some of her allies on the political left. Ramos was initially left off the influential Working Families Party endorsement slate, though she was later added as a fifth choice. She was also recently excluded from a list of endorsements made by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Given these developments, Ramos’s endorsement could be a strategic attempt to secure her political future—either by positioning herself for a top post in a potential Cuomo administration or simply by ensuring she is on good terms with the next mayor.