David Paterson Endorses Eric Adams for Re-Election in Stunning About-Face

Strategic Insights -

New York's first Black governor, David Paterson, made a surprising announcement on Wednesday, endorsing Mayor Eric Adams for re-election in an unprecedented move. This decision comes after Paterson initially supported former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, who ultimately lost. Paterson's support is a significant boost for Adams, who has been struggling to gain traction in the polls, with only 7% support according to the latest Siena poll.

Key Takeaways:

  • David Paterson, the first Black governor of New York, announced his support for Mayor Eric Adams' re-election bid, a significant endorsement in the face of Adams' struggling campaign.
  • Paterson initially backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, but after Cuomo's loss, Paterson supported a consolidation proposal in which all candidates would pledge to support the front-runner, Zohran Mamdani.
  • Paterson now becomes the highest-profile Democrat to back Adams, who is running as an independent, and has called Adams "an individual who is dynamic, articulate, receptive, courageous and outspoken."
  • The Siena poll shows Mamdani leading with 44% support, followed by Cuomo with 25% and Republican Curtis Sliwa with 12%, with Adams in fourth place.
  • Paterson has expressed doubts about Mamdani's ability to fulfill his campaign pledges, which include free buses and universal child care.
  • Adams and Paterson see the endorsement as a turning point in the campaign, with Adams saying Paterson can help "articulate to show us how to continue to get our story out."

Statistics:

  • 44%: Support for Zohran Mamdani in the latest Siena poll
  • 25%: Support for Andrew Cuomo in the latest Siena poll
  • 12%: Support for Republican Curtis Sliwa in the latest Siena poll
  • 7%: Support for Mayor Eric Adams in the latest Siena poll
  • 55th: Paterson's governorship, indicating his experience and clout in New York politics

Sources:

  • (https://sri.siena.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SNY-August-2025-Poll-Release-8-12-25-FINAL.pdf) Siena poll
  • (https://gothamist.com/news/judge-permanently-dismisses-corruption-charges-against-mayor-adams) Gothamist news article on corruption charges against Mayor Adams