The battle over votes from Queens Democrats for the mayoral primary is intensifying between Eric Adams and Ray McGuire.
Adams is rolling out the endorsements Friday of four of the borough’s state and city elected representatives — coming just days after rival McGuire landed the support of Congressman Greg Meeks, who also serves as the county’s Democratic Party chairman.
The quartet pledging its support for Adams includes Assembly members Alicia Hyndman and Clyde Vanel, and Council members Adrienne Adams and Peter Koo.
Adams, the Brooklyn borough president who was raised in Queens, must dominate the borough’s southern black precincts and hold his own in moderate white and Asian neighborhoods to have a shot at winning the primary, sources said.
“Adams must win portions of south Queens and he must win Brooklyn,” said political consultant Hank Sheinkopf. “He must do well with black voters and Jewish voters.”
Sheinkopf said he was perplexed with Meek’s endorsement of former Citigroup executive McGuire because McGuire has little chance of winning and can only help siphon votes from Adams — helping candidates Scott Stringer or Andrew Yang.
“Eric has served this state as Senator, the City in the service of public safety and the borough of Brooklyn as Borough President over the past two decades. He is never too far to reach and most importantly, a man of his word,” said Assemblywoman Hyndman, referring to Adams’ background as a city cop.
“I believe that Eric will aid my District 29 constituents, businesses, schools and homeowners to find relief and their new `normal’ as our Mayor. Adams can count on District 29 – because I’m sure we can count on him.”
Assemblyman Vanel said, “Eric Adams, who has roots in Queens, is the right leader at the right time, to lead New York City. His vision, experience and his ability to bring different people of New York City together is unmatched.”
Adams said, “I am humbled to have the support of such amazing leaders of Queens. Brooklyn is home, but Queens raised me, so the support of the people of Queens means everything to me,” Adams said.
“When I am elected mayor of our great city, the working people of Queens will have a friend in Gracie Mansion again. We are long overdue for a blue collar mayor — and New Yorkers need a mayor who has lived the lives of the people he will serve.”
