The Intense Competition for Orthodox Jewish Backing
New York City Mayor Eric Adams sparked a debate about Orthodox Jewish support in the mayoral race, questioning the extent of Andrew Cuomo’s backing within the community. Cuomo, a front-runner in the Democratic primary, has garnered significant endorsements from influential leaders, including a top ranking from a major Hasidic sect in Brooklyn.
However, conflicting signals emerged when a prominent backer of Cuomo hinted at Orthodox Jewish support for Adams in the general election, reminiscent of the fervor seen in 2024 when the community rallied behind President Donald Trump.
The Endorsement Dilemma
Rabbi Moishe Indig, a key figure in Brooklyn’s Satmar community, expressed support for Adams at an event focused on combating antisemitism, only to publicly endorse Cuomo the next day. Indig’s endorsement highlighted the potential sway of the Orthodox vote, with an estimated 75,000 community members voting in the previous presidential election, largely in favor of Trump.
This endorsement tussle underscores the significance of Orthodox Jewish support for both Cuomo and Adams as they gear up for a possible general election face-off. Adams, with deep-rooted relationships in Brooklyn’s Orthodox communities, aims to leverage these connections against Cuomo’s claims of broad support across various communities.
The Primacy of Community Backing
Adams, a registered Democrat, withdrew from the primary race due to past controversies, including a federal indictment and ties to Trump. Despite these challenges, his team actively sought to dissuade rabbis from endorsing Cuomo, emphasizing Adams’ alignment with community interests.
Cuomo, despite facing criticism from religious groups over Covid-era restrictions, secured crucial endorsements from influential Jewish leaders in Brooklyn and Queens, bolstering his campaign. Even Indig, who initially backed Adams, refrained from a definitive general election endorsement.
Looking Ahead
The clash for Orthodox Jewish support between Cuomo and Adams reflects the intricate dynamics of NYC politics. While Cuomo’s team emphasizes longstanding ties with the Jewish community, Adams’ camp strategically aligns with community interests to sway endorsements.
As the mayoral race intensifies, the battle for Orthodox Jewish backing remains a pivotal aspect to watch, shaping the electoral landscape in New York City.
