RELEASE: NYC New Liberals Endorse Tilson, Reject Cuomo and Mamdani
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Today, the NYC New Liberals, New York’s leading center-left grassroots organization, announced that they are endorsing Whitney Tilson in Democratic primary for the 2025 mayoral race – while also declining to rank the race’s two most high-profile candidates, Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdami, due to serious concerns about their leadership records and governing agendas.
“Whitney Tilson earned our endorsement and the top spot in our rankings for his recognition of the severity of the city’s biggest problems, and his bold, pragmatic vision to fix them,” said NYC New Liberals President Tim Burke. “He has embraced an abundance-oriented agenda across the board, from reforming land use and expanding transit, to promoting accountable government and real educational outcomes. While no candidate is perfect, Tilson stands out for his data-driven approach and clear alignment with the values of the New Liberal movement.”
"It is an honor to earn the endorsement of NYC New Liberals, a critical voice for pragmatism inside the Democratic Party," said Whitney Tilson. "As mayor, I will make you proud by championing pro-growth policies, fiscal responsibility, and competence. Together, we can overcome the red tape and special interests so New York City can finally achieve its full potential."
The NYC New Liberals' rankings were released alongside their 2025 Voting Guide, which evaluated the mayoral candidates on housing, transit, education, economic policy, and public safety. In addition to endorsing Whitney Tilson, the group also ranked the following three candidates in order:
Zellnor Myrie – for pairing progressive values with a pragmatic, abundance-oriented approach to housing & transit, and a strong commitment to improved public safety.
Brad Lander – for his policy depth and credible governance record, especially on land use and transparency.
Adrienne Adams – For her role in passing City of Yes, her credibility as a leader, and her openness to practical reforms, despite a platform that remains less fully developed.
In sharp contrast, the organization is explicitly declining to rank Andrew Cuomo, despite his position as a top candidate in the race. In addition to his inexplicable commitment to the status quo on the city's housing shortage, the NYC New Liberals have grave concerns over Cuomo’s past leadership and questionable ethics. Having previously called on him to resign as governor in 2021, the organization maintains that he should not return to public office.
Additionally, the organization is declining to rank Zohran Mamdani, citing an agenda that would severely harm the city’s ability to function. His proposals, which include a rent freeze, opposition to backfilling police vacancies, and the creation of government-run grocery stores, reflect an unrealistic and damaging vision for New York.
“Our rankings are about who can actually deliver real solutions and progress for the city,” Burke added. “Tilson brings the best agenda, but we also recognize that candidates like Myrie, Lander, and Adams are viable paths forward for the city. Cuomo and Mamdani simply do not meet that standard. We believe that Cuomo will only represent a failed status quo, and Mamdani’s extreme policies risk destabilizing and weakening the city.”
As ranked-choice voting allows New Yorkers to list up to five candidates, the NYC New Liberals are encouraging members to vote their conscience when selecting their fifth choice. The chapter remains focused on engaging voters across the city, distributing the scorecard, and amplifying the candidates who are serious about building a stronger, more livable New York. This effort reflects our commitment to pragmatic leadership, bold ideas, and a future rooted in abundance.
About the NYC New Liberals
The New York City New Liberals are a grassroots coalition of pragmatic liberals dedicated to advancing a society of abundance anchored in human freedom and agency. We are dedicated to furthering our abundance agenda in the NYC Metro Area by liberalizing housing, enhancing mobility options, promoting common sense immigration reform, embracing technological innovation, and increasing access to markets. We strive for efficient, accountable, and accessible public institutions that secure individual rights and participation in democratic processes.
The NYC New Liberals are a local chapter of the Center for New Liberalism, a digital-first grassroots organization dedicated to fighting for liberalism during the age when it is most under attack.
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Media Inquiries: Tobin Stone
tobin@cnliberalism.org | (402) 619-7744