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Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) is endorsing Andrew M. Cuomo...

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) is endorsing Andrew M. Cuomo in the former governor's race for mayor of New York City.  Above, Suozzi, left, and Cuomo at the 2018 Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan. Credit: Charles Eckert

Rep. Tom Suozzi is endorsing fellow Democrat Andrew M. Cuomo for New York City mayor, saying that "Andrew is not perfect" but "is the best choice," according to a news release sent Thursday by Cuomo’s campaign.

Suozzi, a former Nassau County executive who now represents Glen Cove as well as other parts of the county and Queens, joins a list of officials who had called in 2021 for Cuomo to resign as governor over sexual harassment allegations against state workers but now back his candidacy for mayor.

The primary election is June 24.

In Thursday's release, Suozzi alludes to Cuomo’s top rival for the Democratic nomination, Assemb. Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old backed by the Democratic Socialists of America whose popularity has been surging behind front-runner Cuomo, 67.

“‘This is not the time for inexperienced ideologues," the release quotes Suozzi as saying, and "we need common-sense leadership that will stand up to the far-left, DSA socialists and deliver real, tangible results."

The Mamdani campaign press office didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Mamdani (D-Astoria) has promised free public buses and child care, along with a rent freeze for regulated apartments and municipal grocery stores. To pay for his plans, he said, he'd try to raise taxes on the richest New Yorkers and big corporations.

Suozzi told Newsday that the top issue in the race is "Defeat the socialist."

In 2021, Suozzi endorsed Eric Adams, who withdrew from the upcoming Democratic primary but is seeking reelection as an independent.

But for 2025, Suozzi is backing Cuomo, citing the former governor’s accomplishments in rebuilding LaGuardia Airport and Moynihan Train Hall and extending the Second Avenue Subway several stops.

"New York City is facing colossal challenges, and we need a proven, common sense leader who has the experience and proven record to get things done," Suozzi’s statement said.

"Andrew is not perfect. No one is. It is clear, however, that he is the best choice for Mayor," the statement said.

Asked why Cuomo is better than Adams on the issue of crime — crime has fallen under Adams — Suozzi said, "executive experience."

Adams spokesman Todd Shapiro said by text: "Congressman Suozzi has every right to make an endorsement, and he’s done a commendable job representing New Yorkers in Washington. That said, voters will ultimately judge this race based on results — not politics."

Earlier in the week, Cuomo was endorsed by his old foe, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

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