On Sunday, former President Bill Clinton threw his support behind Andrew Cuomo, his one-time Housing and Urban Development secretary, in the race for New York City’s mayor. In a robocall released by Cuomo’s campaign, Clinton called the city gripped by “crisis” and praised Cuomo as a “competent leader” ready to tackle its challenges.
“The election will decide the next mayor of New York, and I urge you to vote for Andrew Cuomo,” the recorded message of Clinton said. “As president, I chose Andrew to be my secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and he never let me down.”
Now 78 and residing in Chappaqua, Westchester County, with his wife, former New York Senator Hillary Clinton, the former president highlighted Cuomo’s work during his administration. He noted Cuomo’s efforts on affordable housing and combating hate, such as “discrimination, including against the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and antisemitism.”
Clinton emphasized the urgent issues facing the city. “New York City is facing major challenges. There is a desperate need for affordable housing, homelessness is at a crisis level, and public safety must be restored,” he said.
He described Cuomo as a proven fighter with the skill and experience to lead, adding, “He’s a fighter who knows how to make government work, and at a time when our basic rights are under assault, I know he’ll stand up and protect the people of this city.”
Cuomo, 67, expressed deep appreciation for the endorsement. “I am honored to have the support of President Bill Clinton — a personal mentor, friend, and hero. His administration was one of the most accomplished in modern political history,” he said.
I am honored to be endorsed by President @BillClinton — a personal mentor, friend and hero. His belief that change is not only possible but is the foundational work of government inspires me in every action I take.
https://t.co/JJ41aTzHu5 pic.twitter.com/pqS0OZbpU6— Andrew Cuomo (@andrewcuomo) June 22, 2025
Cuomo, who stepped down as New York’s governor in 2021 following s*xual-harassment allegations he has consistently denied, is now vying for a political comeback.
Clinton’s own presidency faced its share of controversy, including an impeachment over his affair with Monica Lewinsky, though he was acquitted and remained in office.
The endorsement arrives just days before Tuesday’s Democratic primary, where Cuomo faces a tight race. South Carolina’s influential Congressman Jim Clyburn (D) also backed Cuomo on Friday, while socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani has gained both traction and criticism.
A recent Marist College poll shows Cuomo leading Mamdani 55% to 45% in a possible seventh round of the city’s ranked-choice voting system, a narrower margin than the 60% to 40% lead he held in May.
Breaking: Zohran Mamdani has overtaken Andrew Cuomo in the odds to become the Democratic nominee for NYC Mayor. pic.twitter.com/5iIunPpo27
— Kalshi (@Kalshi) June 23, 2025
Cuomo’s campaign prominently features Clinton’s endorsement online, though Hillary Clinton’s support remains notably absent. When asked about her stance by the New York Post, Cuomo offered no comment.
With the primary looming, Clinton’s voice carries weight as he champions Cuomo’s vision to lift the city’s “progressive standard” and steer New York through its pressing challenges. But whether or not Cuomo prevails through a challenging primary remains to be seen.
The Fairview Gazette will provide you with any updates regarding the New York City mayoral race.
