City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams — two of the top contenders in the Democratic race for mayor —  received the backing of groups that are trying to increase their political clout in the city.

After stopping by several church services in Central Brooklyn, Comptroller Scott Stringer was in Foley Square Sunday afternoon rallying with a coalition of Muslim Civic Groups.

What You Need To Know

  • The endorsements were made as the holy month of Ramadan is underway

  • The city is home to more than 768,000 Muslims, making up nearly 9% of the city's total population

  • In recent years, the South Asian community, which encompasses different religions and ethnic groups, has been flexing its political muscle

"To have the support of the Muslim community is a tremendous honor and responsibility," Stringer said.

The group cited his long time government experience and a promise to create a Muslim Advisory Council in the administration, the possible expansion of a halal food program to city's 1,600 public schools and his plan for small businesses as primary reasons for their support.

Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Senior Advisor at Engage PAC, said Stringer's long standing ties to the community were key during the endorsement process. 

"Scott Stringer is no stranger to our community," Almontaser said. "He has gone out of his way to make sure that hears from all New Yorkers, including American Muslims.” 

Ali Rashid, President of American Pakistani Advocacy Group, touted Stringer's promise to ensure they are represented at the highest levels of government. 

"He respects the Muslim community, he understands the Muslim community, he has people on his staff from the Muslim community and during the interview process he was well prepared and told us what he was going to deliver," Rashid said. 

The endorsements were made as the holy month of Ramadan is underway. The city is home to more than 768,000 Muslims, making up nearly 9% of the city's total population. 

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams was in Jackson Heights, standing with members of Rise Up, a Bangladeshi -American community organization.

"I am not a new friend, I am an old friend," Adams told a crowd of supporters. “The Bangladeshi community is a united, hardworking community. You have provided so much to this city and I want you to know it has not gone unnoticed by me."

The group said it is backing Adams — a former police captain — citing concerns over public safety, an increase in shootings and a lack of affordable housing.

"We need somebody who has experience to deal with in law enforcement in NYC," a supporter told the crowd. "Who is going to be mayor, who is going to lead our NYPD, we have a lot of NYPD here and we do not need to defund the police, we need more police to our communities."

In recent years, the South Asian community, which encompasses different religions and ethnic groups, has been flexing its political muscle. Both groups promised to turn out volunteers on behalf of each candidate.