State Sen. Roxanne Persaud boosts profile of Cuomo in South Brooklyn with her endorsement

With less than 55 days until Primary Election Day, mayoral candidates continue making their case for Brooklynites while racking up electeds’ endorsements throughout NYC’s largest borough and Democratic voting bloc. 

Mayoral aspirant and former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo — who is currently leading in the polls — this Friday, May 2, bolstered his Brooklyn support, receiving the endorsement of prominent New York State Sen. Roxanne Persaud.

“Our city is experiencing difficult times and we need a proven leader to fight for all New Yorkers and move our city in a positive direction. That’s why I’m proud to support Andrew Cuomo and rank him first as my candidate for mayor,” said Persaud, who represents South Brooklyn’s 19th Senate District (portions of Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Ocean Hill and Starrett City).

“I am honored to receive the support of Senator Persaud, someone who I’ve had the good fortune of working with in Albany and who fights for her district all the time to deliver results,” Cuomo said.

Persaud, who has served in the State Senate for over a decade, is also a District Leader for the Brooklyn Democratic Party (for Assembly District 59), joins a growing roster of District Leaders who endorsed Cuomo, notably including Democratic Party Leader Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, one of Mayor Eric Adams’ most ardent supporters. 

Persaud — an advocate for working families, seniors, education, public safety and economic opportunity — announced the endorsement during a visit to NYCHA’s Vandalia Senior Center.

To back her ardent endorsement, Persaud said, “I’ve worked with Gov. Cuomo for years and I’m proud of what we did together.” Persaud described the pair’s work to “invest in our communities in Brooklyn — including building affordable housing and opening the beautiful Shirley Chisholm State Park.” 

Cuomo added, “The city is in crisis, and I’m running to restore effective leadership to make our communities safer, more affordable and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

With NYC facing its tightest housing crunch in 50 years, affordability is a top priority for voters (and candidates). The front-runners have released housing plans and made this issue central in pitches to voters.

Cuomo, who served as HUD Secretary under President Bill Clinton, has been touting his hands-on experience, which resonated with Persaud and seniors of the NYCHA Center as the agency continues to be beleaguered with issues.

Persaud said that Cuomo’s “proven leadership will allow him to hit the ground running once elected mayor.”