Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo secured a key labor endorsement Saturday from Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, marking his first union backing for the general election in the New York City mayoral race.
The 29,000-member union announced the endorsement at the annual Labor Day Parade in Manhattan, according to a campaign and union announcement. Local 3 had supported Cuomo in the Democratic primary, where he was defeated by Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.
The endorsement underscores Local 3's influence in city politics and is likely to boost Cuomo's organizing and outreach efforts in working-class neighborhoods. A Cuomo operative told The Post that other unions on the fence were "soon to follow," saying, "While a lot of unions were quick to jump ship out of political weakness, there are a lot more who are absolutely not interested in getting in bed with a socialist." The comment referred to Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary.
"IBEW Local 3 has always been more than just a union—it has been a force for fairness, dignity, and opportunity for working families," Cuomo said in a statement provided to The Post. "This endorsement is deeply meaningful to me because we have walked this road together for decades." The statement did not enumerate specific future policy commitments tied to the endorsement.
Local 3's backing arrives as Cuomo continues his general election campaign following the primary loss. Union endorsements have historically played a role in New York City mayoral contests by providing volunteer manpower, outreach infrastructure and, in some cases, financial support. Local 3's membership and political operation have made it a sought-after ally for candidates across the city.
Campaign officials framed the endorsement as validation of Cuomo's ties to organized labor and experience in elected office. Union leaders said the decision reflected members' judgment about who would best represent their interests in city government. Details about the extent of the union's support, including any coordinated field efforts or financial assistance, were not disclosed.
The endorsement may spur conversations among other labor organizations weighing their positions in the general election. Union executives and political operatives said they expected endorsements to be announced in the coming weeks, though several unions have not publicly committed to any candidate.
Cuomo, who served three terms as governor before leaving office, has sought to cast himself as a pragmatic choice for the city's executive post. Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman who identifies as a democratic socialist, prevailed in the Democratic primary and remains a central figure in the contest. The general election configuration and timelines continue to shape how candidates and interest groups, including unions, strategize their support.
Both the Cuomo campaign and IBEW Local 3 did not immediately provide additional details beyond the Labor Day announcement, and neither side outlined specific next steps tied to the endorsement.