Senator Jessica Ramos has shaken up the New York City mayoral race with a bold endorsement of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. In a move that surprised many, Jessica Ramos, a progressive voice from Queens, threw her support behind Cuomo on June 6, 2025—just weeks before the Democratic primary. With polls tightening, Ramos’s decision signals a major shift in campaign dynamics and adds fresh intrigue to the race.
Why Jessica Ramos Endorsed Cuomo
Jessica Ramos has built her reputation advocating for labor rights, immigrant communities, and fair wages in the state Senate. Her decision to endorse Cuomo might seem unexpected. Yet, insiders suggest Ramos believes Cuomo now offers the strongest path to defeating Mayor Adams in November—and implementing progressive reforms. Cuomo’s renewed momentum after key debate performances and high-profile union endorsements played a decisive role in swaying Ramos.
How the Endorsement Changes the Race
This endorsement is more than symbolic. It:
- Boosts Cuomo’s front-runner claim: Ramos’s backing brings new legitimacy and access to Queens’ grassroots networks.
- Raises pressure on other progressives: With Ramos’s support, Cuomo gains credibility among liberal voters who previously dismissed him.
- Signals possible additional cross‑faction support: Observers believe other moderate-progressive lawmakers may follow her lead.
In essence, Ramos’s move amplifies Cuomo’s narrative: he’s not just a candidate of the past—but a forward‑looking leader with broad-based support.
The Timing and Context of Ramos’s Choice
The timing of the announcement—June 6, 2025—arrived amid a frenzy of campaign activity, including debates and policy rollouts. Cuomo’s recent debate appearances have impressed insiders, while Ramos, who entered the mayor’s race last September, has been quietly building influence behind the scenes. The alignment of Cuomo’s momentum with Ramos’s strategic calculation highlights her political acumen.
What Jessica Ramos Gains—and Risks
| Gains for Ramos | Potential Risks |
|---|---|
| Access to Cuomo’s campaign resources and donors | Disappointment among her progressive base |
| Elevated status in a potential Cuomo administration | Perception of abandoning her own mayoral run |
| Larger platform and potential post-election role | Alienating younger, grassroots supporters |
Ramos’s move suggests she’s playing a long game. By supporting Cuomo now, she may be staking a claim for influence in his administration—or laying groundwork for future leadership roles. But the gamble could cost her street-level support and credibility among younger, progressive voters.
What Comes Next for Jessica Ramos and Cuomo
With the Democratic primary set for June 24, the campaign enters a critical phase:
- Cuomo must consolidate new gains and fend off progressive challengers like Zohran Mamdani.
- Ramos will need to manage relationships with both Cuomo and her former base.
- Watch for joint appearances or policy initiatives—Cuomo may leverage Ramos’s endorsement to solidify his progressive appeal.
If Ramos uses her newfound leverage wisely, she could emerge as a key New York power broker. If not, her endorsement could be remembered as a missed opportunity—or worse.
Final Thought
Jessica Ramos’s endorsement of Andrew Cuomo marks a turning point in the NYC mayoral race. It reflects her belief that Cuomo is the candidate best positioned to deliver on progressive priorities—and win in November. Whether this gamble cements her influence or backfires among grassroots progressives remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Jessica Ramos has injected fresh drama into one of the most closely watched mayoral contests in years.
Ready to dive deeper? Follow this race carefully—Ramos’s next moves could define city politics for the coming decade.
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