Mike Lawler Endorses Andrew Cuomo for NYC Mayor Over Mamdani

Republican Representative Mike Lawler has endorsed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as a candidate for mayor of New York City, claiming Cuomo presents a better chance to defeat Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani than Republican contender Curtis Sliwa. During his appearance on the 77 WABC radio program “Sid & Friends,” Lawler characterized the choice between Mamdani and Cuomo as one where “it’s not even close.”

This endorsement marks a significant turn in Lawler’s stance, as he has previously been a vocal critic of Cuomo, particularly regarding the former governor’s handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Lawler infamously referred to Cuomo as a “lying sack of s–t” in response to Cuomo’s controversial directive from March 2020, which required nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients from hospitals.

In his remarks, Lawler described Cuomo, now running for mayor as an independent, as the “lesser of two evils.” He expressed strong concerns about Mamdani’s progressive platform, which includes proposals to defund the police and raise taxes significantly. Lawler described Mamdani’s advocacy for these policies as reckless and potentially harmful for the city.

Lawler Critiques Mamdani’s Statements and Policies

Lawler criticized Mamdani for his previous comments that he deemed anti-Semitic, including comparisons between the New York Police Department and the Israel Defense Forces. He also condemned Mamdani’s recent press conference that focused on Islamophobia without addressing the September 11 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 Americans. Lawler called that approach “disgusting,” emphasizing his belief that such rhetoric is inappropriate for a mayoral candidate.

Lawler pointed out that Sliwa is currently polling in the mid-teens, suggesting that without a strong showing from Sliwa, the Republican vote could split between Sliwa and Cuomo, ultimately benefiting Mamdani. He stated, “At the end of the day, it’s not about party,” highlighting the broader implications of the mayoral race on his constituents in New York’s 17th District. This district, located just north of New York City, is home to many police officers, firefighters, and members of the Orthodox Jewish community who are deeply opposed to Mamdani’s views.

Implications of the Endorsement

Lawler’s surprising endorsement comes just hours after another notable political figure, Brooklyn Republican City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, shifted her support from Sliwa to Cuomo. Vernikov represents a district with a substantial Jewish population, which has raised concerns about Mamdani’s previous statements regarding Israel.

Lawler did not hold back in his criticism of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, whom he called “dumber than a box of rocks” for endorsing Mamdani. His comments reflect the growing rift within the political landscape of New York, as figures from various backgrounds grapple with the implications of the upcoming election.

As the mayoral race heats up, the dynamics between candidates will be closely monitored. Lawler’s position, along with Vernikov’s recent switch in support, underscores the complex considerations voters in New York City face as they prepare for the election. The outcome will likely have significant ramifications not only for the city but also for broader political trends in the region.