Greg Meeks to endorse Cuomo for mayor this weekend, snubbing longtime ally

NEW YORK — Rep. Greg Meeks, an influential Black Democrat and county party boss, is expected to endorse Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor with a rally Sunday in Queens, five people familiar with the plans told POLITICO.

The former governor — who denies allegations of sexual harassment that forced him to resign from office — is leading every poll in the race to oust Mayor Eric Adams.

The support from Meeks, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and leader of the Queens County Democratic Party, comes after Cuomo got the backing last week of a slate of politicians in the Congress member’s backyard of Southeast Queens. The area of predominantly working- and middle-class Black Democrats routinely has high turnout in local races; Adams won it handily in 2021.

The pending endorsement is another blow to Adrienne Adams, whom Meeks supported in her successful bid to become City Council speaker four years ago. She recently entered the Democratic primary to oust Eric Adams.

Meeks is planning to announce his support for Cuomo alongside other elected officials, in the borough where he and Cuomo grew up.

Assemblymember Clyde Vanel, a Cuomo supporter, confirmed Meeks’ plans on the record to POLITICO.

Several city Democratic leaders told POLITICO the endorsement comes as no surprise. It is also a disappointment for Eric Adams, who has an ever-diminishing path to victory.

A Cuomo campaign spokesperson did not immediately comment. A Meeks spokesperson did not return requests for comment.

Adrienne Adams’ campaign spokesperson Lupe Todd-Medina said she couldn’t comment on “something that hasn’t happened yet,” but downplayed the importance of the House member and party leader’s anticipated backing of Cuomo over the Council speaker, with whom he shares a district.

Adrienne Adams “has said from the very beginning that (the campaign) is going to be for the people,” Todd-Medina said. “And we are getting tremendous support on the ground from the people.”

Last weekend, state Sen. James Sanders announced his endorsement of Cuomo in a news release featuring seven other Black Democrats representing Southeast Queens. But, as POLITICO reported, three officials on his list revealed a split within the bloc by denouncing their purported endorsement of the former governor.

State Sen. Leroy Comrie — who was part of that group — endorsed Adrienne Adams, as did Rev. Stephen Green, pastor of Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral where she and Meeks regularly attend church.

In 2021, Meeks endorsed Black business leader Ray McGuire for mayor; he finished in seventh place.