New York’s Democratic leaders quickly coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s standard bearer for the White House after embattled President Biden announced he dropped out of the race.
However, there were a couple big exceptions to the calls to unite around Harris. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Mayor Eric Adams were both silent Sunday night about who should replace Biden.
“The winds are not just blowing toward Vice President Kamala Harris. It’s a hurricane for Kamala Harris for president,” said Manhattan Democratic leader and Harlemite Keith Wright.
“She’s the most qualified. She’s been vice president, a U.S. senator, state attorney general. She’s got the training.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, endorsed Harris just before nightfall Sunday — becoming one of the later New York Dems to throw her support behind the vice president.
“As Democrats, our mission remains the same: doing everything in our power to defeat Donald Trump,” she said in a statement sent shortly before 8 p.m. “When President Biden picked Kamala Harris to be his Vice President he unleashed incredible excitement for a new generation of political leadership. That same energy will carry us to November 5 with Vice President Harris leading our ticket.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s endorsement came even later.
At around 10 p.m., she shared a link to donate to Harris’ campaign on X alongside a statement announcing her support.
“My friend Kamala Harris is a champion for freedom and a proven leader who is ready to defeat Donald Trump and defend our democracy,” she said in the statement. “I’m proud to endorse her — and I’m eager to join her in this fight.”
Brooklyn Democratic Party chairman Rodneyse Bichotte — a close ally of Adams — also endorsed Harris as the presidential nominee.
“Vice President Kamala Harris is a fierce fighter with a proven progressive track record, deep experience in the Oval Office, and the determined drive to defeat Trump at the ballot box,” Bichotte said.
State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced that the veep was their choice for the Democratic party as well.
“We are at a crucial time in our nation’s history and I know that only by working together can we continue to succeed. Kamala Harris is the leader we need,” Heastie said.
“Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. “Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, a Biden delegate, said his allegiance is now with Harris.
“In Vice President Kamala Harris, we are lucky to have yet another unshakable ally in Washington. This November, I wholeheartedly believe she will shatter that glass ceiling once and for all and I look forward to working with her in continuing to move America forward,” he said.
Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, a Biden delegate, also said Harris will be the nominee.
“Kamala has been the vice president. She’s ready for the job. I believe she’s the best choice,” Dinowitz, also secretary of the Bronx Democratic Party, said.
Robert Zimmerman, a Democratic National Committee delegate from New York, said Harris is “fully prepared from day one to confront Donald Trump head-on. The stakes are at their highest; the threat he poses is more dire than ever. And the future we can forge together has never been brighter.”
Two other key New York Democratic Party honchos with national influence — former President Bill Clinton and ex-Secretary of State and Sen. Hillary Clinton — were among the first in New York to endorse Harris earlier Sunday.
Sources said it was only a matter of time before key African-American members and others from the New York congressional delegation — including House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn and Queens Rep. Greg Meeks — officially endorse Harris.
During an interview on 1010 WINS radio Sunday, Adams declined to state a preference and instead focused on issues he wants the Democratic ticket to address.
“Everyone in the country should know exactly what the party is going to focus on, including border security and safety, and again, affordability, public safety, and really working for working-class people who believe the everyday cost of living just seems to have eluded them,” Adams said.
“I think if we’re clear on that message, we’re going to be successful in November.”
Jacobs on Sunday said he wanted to discuss the future ticket with party delegates before issuing a statement in the coming days.
