Fact Check: Cuomo has managed to lock down significant institutional support, including from key unions and longtime political allies.
What We Know
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is currently running for Mayor of New York City and has garnered significant endorsements from major labor unions. Notably, he received the endorsement of the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 1-2, which represents 7,500 utility workers across the city. This union praised Cuomo's commitment to infrastructure projects built with union labor and his dedication to improving safety for working families.
Additionally, Cuomo secured the backing of two prominent unions, 32BJ SEIU and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC), which collectively represent approximately 125,000 workers in key sectors such as building services and hospitality. Union leaders highlighted Cuomo's history of advocating for labor rights, including the enactment of a $15 minimum wage and various healthcare initiatives. These endorsements reflect a broad coalition of support that includes not only labor organizations but also political allies from various sectors, indicating a strong institutional backing for his mayoral campaign.
Analysis
The endorsements from major unions such as 32BJ SEIU and HTC, as well as the Utility Workers Union, lend substantial credibility to the claim that Cuomo has secured significant institutional support. These unions are influential in New York City politics and have historically played a critical role in mobilizing voters and resources for candidates. The New York Times reported on Cuomo's endorsements, emphasizing the unions' praise for his leadership and commitment to working families.
However, it is essential to consider the context of these endorsements. While they indicate strong support, they also come from organizations that have historically aligned with Democratic candidates, particularly those who advocate for labor rights. The unions' endorsements may reflect a strategic decision to back a candidate who they believe can effectively address labor issues and improve conditions for their members.
Critically, the reliability of the sources reporting these endorsements is generally high, as they include reputable news outlets and official press releases from the Cuomo campaign. However, it is also worth noting that some sources, such as the United Auto Workers (UAW), have criticized Cuomo's record, suggesting that not all labor organizations view his candidacy favorably (UAW's criticism). This indicates a division within the labor movement regarding Cuomo's past performance as governor.
Conclusion
The claim that "Cuomo has managed to lock down significant institutional support, including from key unions and longtime political allies" is True. The evidence from multiple endorsements by major labor unions, alongside the acknowledgment of his political allies, supports this assertion. The endorsements not only highlight Cuomo's appeal among labor organizations but also reflect a broader coalition of support that is crucial for his campaign in the competitive landscape of New York City politics.
Sources
- Cuomo Wins Backing of 2 Major Unions That Once Pushed ... New York Times
- Cuomo Gains Endorsement of Utility Workers Union ... Cuomo Campaign Press Release
- BREAKING NEWS: Powerhouse Unions 32BJ SEIU and ... Cuomo Campaign Press Release
- Andrew Cuomo endorsed by HTC, 32BJ unions that ... Crain's New York Business
- UAW Releases New Video on Andrew Cuomo's Failures ... UAW
- Andrew Cuomo gets labor nods in New York City mayor's ... Politico
- Two unions endorse Cuomo ahead of Democratic mayoral ... NY1
- Eric Adams Is Cratering, but Andrew Cuomo Is Rising Jacobin
