Cuomo Racks Up Third Major Union Endorsement in 24 Hours — Ironworkers Back Ex-Governor, Ramos Gains Ground

Blue-Collar Momentum Surges as Cuomo Reclaims Political Ground, While Jessica Ramos Secures Key Labor Nod

In a dramatic show of support that signals a seismic shift in the race for New York City mayor, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has secured yet another major union endorsement — this time from the powerful Ironworkers, further cementing his appeal among the city’s blue-collar workforce.

Andrew Cuomo and Jessica Ramos at a microphone during the Ironworkers Union endorsement announcement

The New York State Ironworkers made their endorsement official on Tuesday, naming Cuomo their top pick for the 2025 mayoral race.

But the announcement didn’t stop there — State Senator Jessica Ramos, a rising progressive voice and current chair of the Senate Labor Committee, was designated their second choice, giving her campaign a crucial injection of credibility and visibility.

 

This latest endorsement marks Cuomo’s third major labor nod within just 24 hours, following previous backings from 32BJ SEIU and Hotel Trades Council (HTC) — a clear signal that organized labor, once cautious, is now rallying behind the former governor in significant numbers.

Former New York Governor and NYC mayoral candidate, Andrew Cuomo, speaking at West Side Institutional Synagogue in Manhattan.

“The Ironworkers are proud to support Andrew Cuomo,” said Pete Meyers, President of the New York State Ironworkers.

“His record on infrastructure speaks for itself, and more importantly, he’s delivered jobs with strong wages, protections, and dignity for our members.”

Cuomo’s campaign, once considered a longshot after his dramatic 2021 resignation, is gaining real traction as union after union throws its weight behind him — an undeniable sign of his enduring political savvy and deep connections to the city’s labor roots.

Jessica Ramos, the Labor chair for the State Senate, at the NY Working Families Party and The Nation's NYC Mayoral Forum with a group of people sitting in chairs.

A spokesperson for the former governor echoed the sentiment, touting Cuomo’s role in delivering “transformational projects like the Mario Cuomo Bridge and LaGuardia Airport — not just concrete and steel, but thousands of good-paying union jobs.”

Meanwhile, Ramos — who’s been polling well behind both Cuomo and fellow Queens progressive Zohran Mamdani — welcomed the Ironworkers’ recognition with a statement that underscored her identity as a child of the labor movement.

 

“This campaign is about building a New York City where one good job is enough,” Ramos said.

“The labor movement raised me.

And with the Ironworkers joining our coalition, I know we’re on the right path to make that vision a reality.”

Andrew Cuomo | Mayor, Education, Brother, & Facts | Britannica

While Mamdani did not receive any mention in the Ironworkers’ endorsement, Ramos’ growing list of allies — paired with her clear pro-labor credentials — could position her as a formidable progressive alternative in a race that’s quickly becoming more polarized.

Andrew Cuomo gets labor nods in New York City mayor's race - POLITICO

The 2025 NYC mayoral race, still in its early stages, is shaping up to be a battle between old-guard political force and emerging progressive energy.

For now, though, it’s Cuomo who’s taking the lead — and the unions are marching right behind him.

 

Stay tuned.

This one’s just getting started.