Mayoral front-runner Eric Adams landed two more key endorsements Thursday, receiving the public backing of former Gov. David Paterson and top Manhattan Democrat Keith Wright.
Paterson, the state’s first black governor, who served from 2008 through 2010 following the resignation of the disgraced Eliot Spitzer, touted Adams’ broad appeal.
“Eric Adams has been to the most diverse places in the city,” said Paterson during a morning rally in Harlem. “He has sought support from every community. He has sought support from communities that sometimes have been antagonistic to each other, but they both trust him.
“That’s the kind of leadership we need,” he added. “That’s the leadership we’re gonna get when Eric Adams puts his hand on the Bible and takes the oath of office to be the next mayor of the City of New York.”
Former Gov. David Paterson (right) and Keith Wright (left) endorse mayoral candidate Eric Adams, on June 17, 2021. Gregory P. Mango for NY PostWright, leader of the New York County Democrats and a former longtime member of the state Assembly, cited the “battle-tested” political experience of Adams, a one-time NYPD captain who went on to serve as a state senator and, currently, Brooklyn borough president.
“When I look at who I want to be the next mayor through the prism of politics and government, the only person that I see who can lead this city right now is Eric Adams,” said Wright, noting the intersection of their time in the state legislature. “I want you to know that he is the only one right now … that can lead this city.
“When I go to the doctor, I want someone who has been to med school.”
Former NY state politician Keith Wright (left) said Eric Adams is the only person “who can lead this city right now.” Gregory P. Mango for NY Post
Former Gov. David Paterson said Eric Adams has “the kind of leadership we need.” Gregory P. Mango for NY PostAdams, who was on hand to accept the endorsements, said the backing shows his base is not limited to Brooklyn.
“I am so proud to have the endorsement of these two Harlem legends that are acknowledging that I’m not a one-borough candidate,” he said. “I’m a five-borough candidate!”
Speaking one day after receiving the endorsement of Terrence Floyd, the brother of Minneapolis police murder victim George Floyd, and with early voting already underway, Adams portrayed his potential mayoralty as the return of the everyday New Yorker to City Hall.
Mayoral candidate Eric Adams said he is “so proud to have the endorsement” of former Gov. David Paterson and Keith Wright, calling them “two Harlem legends.” Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images“Not only am I going to be able to bear the weight of the city, I’m going to be the person you don’t mind having a beer with,” he said. “You had all of these intellectuals, elites. You look on the stage and they all talk about how impressive they are. … I’m just an ordinary cat.”





