NYC mayoral Andrew Yang leaves door open to receive PBA endorsement
Democratic mayoral candidate Andrew Yang kept the door open to receiving endorsements from two of New York City’s most powerful police unions Tuesday — a day after receiving a stamp of approval from the police union that represents his biggest rival, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
Yang, whose position in the polls has declined in recent weeks, was speaking on 1010 WINS when he was asked for the second straight day whether he’d accept endorsements from the Police Benevolent Association and the Sergeants Benevolent Association if they were offered to him.
“I’d have to have that conversation if it materialized,” Yang said Tuesday.
In a city that was rocked by protests against police brutality last summer, many view nods from law enforcement unions as political kryptonite, but with crime on the rise and public safety a prime concern among voters, there’s also potentially a political upside in getting their support.
On Monday, Yang accepted an endorsement from the Captains Endowment Association, which represents active and retired NYPD captains. When asked Monday whether he’d accept endorsements from the SBA and the PBA, which are more vocal and viewed as more conservative, Yang dodged the question.
But on Tuesday, he appeared slightly more open to the idea.
Adams, who’s currently serving as Brooklyn borough president, is a retired NYPD captain.
Yang’s statement Monday on 1010 WINS came a day after PBA President Pat Lynch told members that the only candidates they should rank in the June 22nd Democratic primary are Yang, Adams and Kathryn Garcia, the city’s former Sanitation Commissioner.
“Among the leading contenders, these are the candidates who have prioritized public safety and rejected the ‘Defund the Police” ideology,’” Lynch wrote in an email. “Under the new ranked-choice system, ranking a candidate at ANY position could benefit that candidate. If you do not find a candidate acceptable, do not rank that person. Ranking candidates other than Yang, Adams and Garcia could inadvertently help an anti-police candidate win.”
Lynch also noted that the union “has been in communication with several mayoral campaigns.”
SBA President Ed Mullins said Tuesday that none of the candidates running for mayor have reached out to him seeking the union’s endorsement.
“These candidates are all anti-police and think they can run the city without it, or they’re all lying,” he said. “Most of it’s political.”
Mullins said he’s been heartened by Adams’ recent lead in the polls because he’s the former cop running.
“He can at least understand what cops do,” Mullins said. “He knows how in the blink of a second something could go wrong.”
Adams and his campaign have been quick to point out in recent days that Adams will not accept any endorsements from police unions in his run for mayor, even though he’s taken contributions from law enforcement unions in the past.
The former cop has said he welcomes support from rank-and-file cops. Campaign spokesman Evan Thies also noted Thursday that his boss has returned political contributions from the PBA.
Adams appeared Tuesday on 1010 WINS within an hour of Yang’s interview to reiterate the position that he does not intend to seek endorsements from police unions, as well as an endorsement from Mayor de Blasio.
“I made clear months ago that I was not seeking the endorsement of any unions at this time from the law enforcement community,” Adams said. “They won’t be helpful because we’re at a point where we have to rebuild trust, and if I give the appearance that I’m not going to be strong on reform, but strong on public safety then that would really send the wrong message.
“I’m going to ensure that those officers who are doing their jobs correctly receive the support from the city, but those officers who are violating their oath of office, I’m going to expeditiously ensure that they’re not in our department,” he continued. “That’s important to me.”
When asked about de Blasio’s support, Adams said he doesn’t want an endorsement, but that he’d like Hizzoner’s vote.
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