City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has gained major momentum in the race for mayor, following a wave of influential endorsements. Among them is the powerful backing of New York State Attorney General Letitia James and three prominent labor unions — most notably District Council 37 (DC 37), the city’s largest municipal union.
These endorsements not only boost Adams’ visibility but also emphasize the growing influence of labor organizations in shaping New York City’s political future. As frontrunner Andrew Cuomo continues to collect endorsements from high-profile allies, Adams is positioning herself as a candidate backed by grassroots labor and progressive leaders.
Powerful Endorsements for Adrienne Adams
Adrienne Adams’ campaign received a significant push from the endorsement of Attorney General Letitia James, a respected figure in state politics and a leading voice for civil rights and public accountability. James’ support signals trust in Adams’ leadership and commitment to New York City’s working-class communities.
Additionally, Adams secured endorsements from three major labor unions. Chief among them is District Council 37, which represents over 150,000 public employees and retirees. The union’s endorsement carries significant weight in municipal politics, where city workers play a central role.
Read More: Adrienne Adams Secures Key Endorsements in Mayoral Race as Labor Support Takes Center Stage
DC 37: The City’s Largest Union Steps In
Henry Garrido, executive director of DC 37, emphasized the importance of Adams’ candidacy during an appearance on NY1’s Inside City Hall with political anchor Errol Louis. Garrido noted that the union was fully behind Adams and encouraged voters to rank her first under New York City’s ranked-choice voting system.
He also recommended that voters place Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie as their second and third choices, respectively. This strategic ranking shows an alliance of progressive and labor-backed candidates challenging more establishment figures.
A Strategic Move Amid Cuomo’s Rising Support
The endorsements for Adams come at a crucial time in the mayoral race. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has been gaining traction, receiving support from various unions and political insiders. While Cuomo has not formally announced his candidacy, his increasing presence has stirred speculation and concern among progressives.
The support for Adams, Mamdani, and Myrie appears to be a counterweight to Cuomo’s growing momentum. DC 37’s involvement suggests that the union wants to steer the race toward candidates who prioritize public sector workers, affordable housing, and community development.
The Role of Ranked-Choice Voting
With New York City’s ranked-choice voting system, endorsements like DC 37’s are more impactful than ever. Voters can rank up to five candidates in order of preference. If their top choice doesn’t gain enough support, their vote transfers to their next choice, increasing the influence of unions that issue ranked endorsements.
This system allows labor unions to guide voter behavior in a nuanced way, potentially helping multiple aligned candidates instead of placing all hopes on a single frontrunner.
Labor and Progressives Uniting Behind Adams
The combination of endorsements from labor groups and progressive lawmakers reflects a coalition aiming to challenge establishment politics. Adrienne Adams has built her political identity around equity, city worker advocacy, and police accountability — priorities that resonate deeply with union members and left-leaning voters.
By endorsing a trio of candidates instead of just one, DC 37 is encouraging a broader vision for city leadership — one rooted in collaboration and shared values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Adrienne Adams?
Adrienne Adams is the Speaker of the New York City Council and a leading candidate in the city’s upcoming mayoral election. She represents District 28 in Queens and has focused her career on education, public safety reform, and city worker rights.
What is District Council 37 (DC 37)?
DC 37 is New York City’s largest public employee union, representing over 150,000 workers and retirees in various sectors including healthcare, education, and city administration. The union is influential in shaping city policies and election outcomes.
Why is the endorsement from DC 37 significant?
An endorsement from DC 37 means broad support from the city’s public workforce, as well as access to a strong grassroots network. It signals that the candidate supports labor interests, city services, and fair wages.
Who are Zohran Mamdani and Zellnor Myrie?
Zohran Mamdani is a progressive Assemblyman from Queens, known for his advocacy on housing and immigrant rights. Zellnor Myrie is a State Senator from Brooklyn focused on criminal justice reform and housing equity. Both are seen as rising progressive stars.
What is ranked-choice voting?
Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank multiple candidates in order of preference. If no candidate wins a majority, the votes are redistributed based on preferences until one candidate achieves over 50%.
What are the key issues Adrienne Adams supports?
Adams is focused on affordable housing, protecting union jobs, public education, criminal justice reform, and increasing transparency in city government.
Is Andrew Cuomo officially running for mayor?
As of now, Andrew Cuomo has not officially declared his candidacy for mayor. However, his recent endorsements and public appearances suggest he may be considering a return to politics via the New York City mayoral race.
How might these endorsements impact the mayoral race?
These endorsements could consolidate progressive and labor-aligned voter bases behind Adams and her recommended slate. This may create a stronger challenge to establishment-backed candidates like Cuomo, potentially reshaping the final outcome of the election.
Conclusion
Adrienne Adams’ recent endorsements from Attorney General Letitia James and labor giants like DC 37 mark a pivotal shift in the dynamics of the 2025 mayoral race. In an election increasingly defined by progressive versus establishment politics, her growing coalition may play a decisive role.
DC 37’s active engagement and ranked-choice strategy also highlight the power of organized labor in shaping city leadership. As the race heats up, Adams’ campaign is positioning itself as the voice of working-class New Yorkers seeking inclusive and equitable change.
With labor and progressive leaders uniting, the city’s political landscape could be on the verge of a significant transformation — one that puts workers, fairness, and community at the forefront of City Hall’s agenda.