The Endorsement That Changed Minds: How Trump's Support for Cuomo Divided NYC Voters.
As the votes were cast in New York City's mayoral election, a video on TikTok went viral – US President Donald Trump had endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The endorsement came as a shock to many voters, particularly those who had been leaning towards progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist. In a city where politics often seems to be about taking sides, the endorsement has revealed a deep divide among New Yorkers.
For Jessica Dejesus, a 40-year-old resident of Mott Haven in the Bronx, Trump's endorsement was the final nail in the coffin for Cuomo. She had initially planned to vote for Cuomo, recalling his daily television appearances during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was governor of New York State. However, after seeing the video on TikTok, Dejesus decided to support Mamdani instead.
"I was like, 'We can't have that,'" she said, referring to Trump's influence on voters' minds. "I don’t disagree with everything Trump does, but he cut back on food stamps, and that affects a lot of people." Her concerns echoed those of many New Yorkers who had been critical of Trump's policies.
While some staunch supporters of Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa saw Trump's endorsement as a positive development, others were unmoved. Artemio Figuero, a 59-year-old city street cleaner from Queens, said that Trump's support did not change his mind. "Sliwa is for the people and I have faith in that," he added.
However, some Republicans who had traditionally voted outside of their party saw Trump's endorsement as a game-changer. Lola Ferguson, a 53-year-old social worker from Mott Haven, said she liked that Trump endorsed Cuomo, calling him "the better match for the city."
In contrast, Mamdani supporters felt like they had been caught out by Trump's move. Andre Augustine, a 33-year-old who works at a college access nonprofit, voted for Mamdani and said he felt like the signs were already there that Cuomo was backing Trump.
The endorsement has also revealed a deep connection between Cuomo and the wealthy elite. Bill Ackman and Miriam Adelson, billionaires who have backed both Trump and Cuomo, are among those who have helped finance his campaign.
As for Mamdani's supporters, they say the endorsement was not unexpected – after all, those who have backed Trump have also been supporting Cuomo. For Dominique Witter, a 39-year-old healthcare tech consultant from Mott Haven, Trump's endorsement actually pushed her towards voting for Mamdani.
"It took me a while to get there, but I’m voting for Mamdani," she said. "I’m not gonna lie; the Trump endorsement did not help. Because that’s not what we want, right?"
The mayoral election in New York City is far from over – with many votes still being counted. But as it becomes clear which candidate will emerge victorious, one thing is certain: Trump's endorsement of Cuomo has left a lasting impact on the city's voters.
As the votes were cast in New York City's mayoral election, a video on TikTok went viral – US President Donald Trump had endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The endorsement came as a shock to many voters, particularly those who had been leaning towards progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist. In a city where politics often seems to be about taking sides, the endorsement has revealed a deep divide among New Yorkers.
For Jessica Dejesus, a 40-year-old resident of Mott Haven in the Bronx, Trump's endorsement was the final nail in the coffin for Cuomo. She had initially planned to vote for Cuomo, recalling his daily television appearances during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was governor of New York State. However, after seeing the video on TikTok, Dejesus decided to support Mamdani instead.
"I was like, 'We can't have that,'" she said, referring to Trump's influence on voters' minds. "I don’t disagree with everything Trump does, but he cut back on food stamps, and that affects a lot of people." Her concerns echoed those of many New Yorkers who had been critical of Trump's policies.
While some staunch supporters of Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa saw Trump's endorsement as a positive development, others were unmoved. Artemio Figuero, a 59-year-old city street cleaner from Queens, said that Trump's support did not change his mind. "Sliwa is for the people and I have faith in that," he added.
However, some Republicans who had traditionally voted outside of their party saw Trump's endorsement as a game-changer. Lola Ferguson, a 53-year-old social worker from Mott Haven, said she liked that Trump endorsed Cuomo, calling him "the better match for the city."
In contrast, Mamdani supporters felt like they had been caught out by Trump's move. Andre Augustine, a 33-year-old who works at a college access nonprofit, voted for Mamdani and said he felt like the signs were already there that Cuomo was backing Trump.
The endorsement has also revealed a deep connection between Cuomo and the wealthy elite. Bill Ackman and Miriam Adelson, billionaires who have backed both Trump and Cuomo, are among those who have helped finance his campaign.
As for Mamdani's supporters, they say the endorsement was not unexpected – after all, those who have backed Trump have also been supporting Cuomo. For Dominique Witter, a 39-year-old healthcare tech consultant from Mott Haven, Trump's endorsement actually pushed her towards voting for Mamdani.
"It took me a while to get there, but I’m voting for Mamdani," she said. "I’m not gonna lie; the Trump endorsement did not help. Because that’s not what we want, right?"
The mayoral election in New York City is far from over – with many votes still being counted. But as it becomes clear which candidate will emerge victorious, one thing is certain: Trump's endorsement of Cuomo has left a lasting impact on the city's voters.
. On one hand, I think it's great that people are reevaluating their options and considering alternative candidates like Mamdani. It shows that New Yorkers aren't mindless followers, they're making informed decisions.
. His track record on issues like food stamps and healthcare is pretty concerning, and I'm not sure if Cuomo is really a better fit for the city than Mamdani. Maybe he'll surprise us and do something different, but I wouldn't count on it.
. It's like they're trying to make a statement or something.
. He seems like a more progressive candidate who actually cares about the city and its people. Fingers crossed that New Yorkers will see through Trump's endorsement and choose the right person for the job 
like what changed Mamdani's mind or something? 
did the other guys just not seem as good a choice or what? 
this whole thing is so wild! Like, who knew Trump had such a strong pull in NYC? 
I was thinking Trump and Cuomo were like total opposites, but apparently, that video went viral and suddenly people were rethinking their votes 
.
Anyway, it's clear that Trump's endorsement has had a big impact on the election, but I think Mamdani supporters are being pretty chill about it 
. The Bronx, where Jessica Dejesus lives, is like totally underrated - love how she's all like 'we can't have that' when it comes to Trump's influence 
.
. I mean, Cuomo had been on TV a lot during the pandemic, but now he just got a boost from Trump and it affected how people saw him? That's wild 
. But at the same time, it might have helped sway people who were already leaning away from him 
.
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