In one of the more stunning moves so far in this election season, state Sen. Jessica Ramos has cross-endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the race for mayor of New York City.
Ramos, herself a Democratic candidate in the race, made the announcement Friday morning alongside Cuomo, who told reporters that he would not be returning the favor. The political move comes two days after the first Democratic debate in the primary race.
That debate was marred by copious attacks from most candidates against the former governor, whose record on COVID-19, sexual harassment and public safety were called into questions by many of the eight other rivals on stage. Ramos, notably, did not go after Cuomo.
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WATCH HEREThe state senator from Queens appears to be reversing course by delivering an endorsement of Cuomo after sharing public criticisms in the past, some as recently as this spring. In April, Ramos said the former governor's "mental acuity is in decline" and that the city couldn't afford a “Joe Biden moment” at City Hall.
Some of her harsh words for Cuomo were still posted to her social media as of Friday afternoon. In March, she wrote: "If New Yorkers want a corrupt bully with a record of alleged sexual misconduct, supporting Republicans, selling out to developers, and exacerbating crises, they can just stick with the current mayor. Andrew brings nothing to this race but baggage and an outstanding debt of $5 million."
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The decision to cross-endorse her rival does not mean she is dropping out of the race, Ramos emphasized prior to her announcement. She told the Times that Cuomo is "the one best positioned right now to protect this city.”
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Ramos had previously been tipped by the Working Families Party as part of the progressive group's bid to get voters to keep Cuomo off their ballot. The Working Families Party shared its ranked-choice ballot, which included Ramos in the fifth position.
"We are sad and disappointed that State Sen. Jessica Ramos has decided to endorse the candidate favored by Trump’s billionaire donors," a statement from the group said Friday.
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