Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Is Cuomo Pandering for Black Support?
By
Sabrina Jaszi
Published Jan 25, 2010
Modified Jan 25, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Sabrina Jaszi
Published Jan 25, 2010
Modified Jan 25, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo—who's widely believed to be ramping up to challenge Gov. Paterson in a September primary—has been seen all over town shaking the hands of black civic leaders and clergymen. Taking on New York's first black governor, Cuomo is building a defense against critics who'll say he's derailing the career of a prominent African American politician.
After being accused of putting the city at risk for "racial polarization" by Albany Rep. Charles Rangel, Cuomo certainly gets points for effort. Cuomo was seen chatting with his old friend Mayor Byron W. Brown of Buffalo, who may be a possible candidate for lieutenant governor. He also met with Senate leader John L. Sampson and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, both Brooklyn Democrats and hired Juanita Scarlett, an experienced black political aid.
This month he also met with Rev. Floyd H. Flake, an influential black pastor in Queens. “He’d be a great governor,” Flake, a former congressman, said of Cuomo. “I’m not locked into the incumbent,” he said, but added that if 'he’s out there, I will probably be with him.” Nearly everyone he met with said they wouldn't consider race when deciding who to endorse, reported the NY Times.
Rangel warned Cuomo that "Since we have most African-Americans registered as Democrats, and since you would be making an appeal for Democrats, [a primary would] be devastating in my opinion." In 2002, race helped sink Cuomo's bid for gubernatorial office; he was vying against another prominent black politician, Carl McCall for the Democratic nomination, and ultimately lost out.
Tagged
african amercan
attorney general cuomo
black
charles rangel
civic leaders
gov paterson
governor
race
Sabrina Jaszi
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman spar over immigration, cost of living in debate
The Democratic incumbent repeatedly invoked President Donald Trump. The Republican challenger largely avoided bringing up New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 13, 2026 at 9:05 p.m. ET
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
Years of bus headaches start Thursday as Port Authority advances Midtown terminal work
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
and
Carol Chen
ICE admits to using Roxbury, NJ warehouse site to process immigrants
By
Mike Hayes
Dolan's offer: Donations to Blakeman for Knicks tickets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .