Two major city unions — the Hotel Trades Council and the building services union 32BJ — are endorsing former Gov. Andrew Cuomo ahead of the crowded Democratic mayoral primary this June, NY1 has learned.

The Hotel Trades Council represents 40,000 non-managerial hotel and gaming workers in New York and New Jersey.

“In these challenging times for New Yorkers, it is critical that we have a mayor with a proven history of effective government management to lead us towards a better future,” Rich Maroko, president of the NY Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, wrote in a statement ahead of the endorsement obtained by NY1.

What You Need To Know

  • Two major city unions — the Hotel Trades Council and the building services union 32BJ — are endorsing former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor

  • The Hotel Trades Council represents 40,000 non-managerial hotel and gaming workers in New York and New Jersey

  • 32BJ represents around 90,000 property service employees like security officers, bus drivers and food service workers

  • Both unions backed Cuomo during his prior gubernatorial runs

“That’s why we are endorsing Andrew Cuomo to be the next Mayor of New York City,” he continued, highlighting Cuomo’s backing of union jobs in the gaming and hotel industry.

“Now, especially as our union approaches a renegotiation of our citywide hotel contract that will determine the livelihoods of our members and their families for the next decade, we need a leader who understands what’s at stake and will have our backs through it all,” Maroko added. 

32BJ represents around 90,000 property service employees like security officers, bus drivers and food service workers.

“New York City needs a strong Mayor who has a vision and plan to deliver for the working people of our great city. Someone who has shown they are with 32BJ members and will continue to be. Someone who has demonstrated the know-how to lead in times of crisis and who has effectively run a complicated government system,” Manny Pastreich, president of 32BJ SEIU, told NY1 in a statement.

“Andrew Cuomo is equipped to stand up to attacks on our city that threaten our finances, our jobs, our public transportation, our healthcare, our social security and our rights. He has concrete plans to address our housing and healthcare affordability crises as Mayor and as Governor showed he knows how to deliver for working people,” Pastreich's statement reads.

Both unions backed Cuomo during his prior gubernatorial runs.

But back in 2021, when Cuomo faced multiple scandals and a possible impeachment by the Democratic-led state Assembly, both the HTC and 32BJ called for his resignation.

Maroko called his behavior detailed in state Attorney General Letitia James’ sexual harassment report “deeply disturbing” and said the Assembly should move to impeach if Cuomo did not resign – and former 32BJ President Kyle Bragg agreed.

Mayor Eric Adams received the backing of the HTC and 32BJ in his successful 2021 mayoral bid, when he ran and won as a Democrat.

Although Adams is now running for reelection as an independent following the dismissal of his federal criminal corruption case, it’s highly unusual for two major unions to abandon a sitting mayor. 

Since announcing his mayoral campaign, Cuomo has racked up endorsements from other unions, including the Teamsters Local 237 and District Council of Carpenters, as well as from sitting legislators in the City Council and state Legislature.

He’s also amassed an impressive warchest, possibly qualifying him for millions in public campaign matching funds.

“My campaign is about the hardworking men and women of New York City who have been failed by their government for too long," Cuomo told NY1. "The members of HTC and 32BJ SEIU are the backbone of New York. They clean our buildings, run our hotels, care for our communities, and keep this city moving."