Cuomo Makes Case for Mayor on Stump in Queens

By Michael V. Cusenza

City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo on Sunday returned home to Queens to lead a rally and announce the launch of South Asians for Cuomo—a multi-denominational coalition of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs.

The new coalition will mobilize voters in their communities across New York in the final weeks of the campaign, working to engage and turn out South Asian New Yorkers.

“New York’s greatest strength is its diversity, and the South Asian community is an essential part of that fabric,” Cuomo said. “We all want the same things—a city that working people can afford, good schools for our kids, safe streets, and the ability to live with dignity and respect. I know how to make government work to achieve those goals, and I’m deeply grateful for the support and trust of this community. Together, we’ll make sure New York City’s best days are still ahead.”

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“[T]hese cold cases were not forgotten,” DA Katz said.

“Governor Cuomo has always stood up for all New Yorkers — especially immigrant and working-class communities like ours,” said Hershad Patel, president of Gujarati Samaj of New York. “At a time when hate crimes and economic hardship are on the rise, we need a mayor who will protect our families, fight discrimination in every form, and make sure our neighborhoods have the safety and quality of life we deserve.”

Cuomo recently made headlines when he slammed the plan to shutter Rikers Island.

“This isn’t reform,” the former governor said. “It’s an experiment in lawlessness.”

Cuomo noted that the City’s current four-borough jail plan is deeply behind schedule, logistically unworkable, and fiscally unsustainable. The original plan projected $8 billion in costs; current estimates have ballooned to $15–16 billion, nearly double the original price tag.

The City’s budget director has said that the Aug. 31, 2027 closure deadline will not be met.