DREAM: A new motto for anti-Adams, anti-Cuomo voters

In a crowded, still growing field of candidates with competing endorsements, allegiances and no clear signs of ranked-choice-induced collaboration, one progressive union wants to make it simple for voters. D.R.E.A.M – Don’t Rank Eric or Andrew for Mayor.

The United Auto Workers Region 9A previously announced its endorsement of three other candidates in race – Comptroller Brad Lander, state Sen. Jessica Ramos and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani. Saying that they won’t be ranking Mayor Eric Adams or former Gov. Andrew Cuomo doesn’t change that endorsement in any material way. 

But the D.R.E.A.M. directive does add a little coherence to calls among the left flank of the race to unite against Cuomo (who is not yet officially in the race but tops early polls) and Adams (whose path to reelection still looks muddied by his political, financial and legal troubles). 

“What we’re trying to express here is that not only do you rank these three people that we trust to take the city forward, we also don’t want to go back, so keep these two guys away from your ballot,” said Brandon Mancilla, director of UAW Region 9A.

“Working New Yorkers know Governor Cuomo has the most successful pro-labor record in modern history,” Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said in a statement, citing among other accomplishments wage increases, family medical leave protections and expanded workforce development programs under the former governor. Though Cuomo has yet to officially enter the race, he’s expected to have the support of the District Council of Carpenters, a highly active union if not one of the city’s labor behemoths. 

Other labor unions and progressive groups like the Working Families Party aren’t jumping on the D.R.E.A.M. bandwagon – at least not yet. Those other organizations have their own internal discussions and endorsement processes, but Mancilla said UAW has been explicit about its own position, and sees the WFP as aligned in looking beyond Adams and Cuomo.

The union’s joint endorsement of Lander, Ramos and Mamdani is not ranked in any order, though Mancilla said they’re keeping their options open.