Cynthia Nixon (Facebook)
July 19, 2018 By Tara Law
Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi has become the first member of the State Assembly to endorse Cynthia Nixon for governor.
Hevesi, who represents Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and adjacent neighborhoods, said in a statement yesterday that he supports Nixon because she shares his commitment to fighting homelessness, improving housing conditions and protecting the social safety net.
Hevesi is chairman of the Assembly Social Services Committee and a vocal advocate for the homeless, victims of domestic violence and children in the foster care system.
“As a lifelong Democrat, I’m proud to endorse Cynthia Nixon for Governor,” Hevesi said in a statement Wednesday. “She’s someone we can trust and work with, she’s been a tireless advocate for better schools, and she cares about the people of New York State.”
Hevesi also sharply criticized Cuomo, calling him a “serial liar”
“He claims to be fiscally responsible while saddling our children and grandchildren with billions in
Andrew Hevesi (Facebook)
debt,” Hevesi said. “He consistently pushes policies that hurt vulnerable New Yorkers, the homeless, human trafficking victims, people on public assistance.”
Hevesi’s relationship with Governor Cuomo has long been contentious. When Cuomo was the attorney general, he brought a case against the assemblymember’s father, former New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi, for corruption. The elder Hevesi was ultimately sentenced to one to four years in prison.
Nixon accepted Hevesi’s endorsement and praised the assemblymember’s dedication to helping low-income families, at-risk children and victims of human trafficking.
“He is a passionate champion of fighting for lower income families and making New York a fairer, more equitable state for everyone,” said Nixon. “I am honored to have his endorsement and look forward to working with him in the assembly as governor.”
News of Hevesi’s endorsement was released the same day as a poll indicated that Cuomo had stretched his lead over Nixon.
Cuomo was found to be leading Nixon by 59 percent to 23 percent, according to a poll of 415 registered Democrats conducted by Quinnipiac University.
In May, a poll released by the university found that Cuomo was leading Nixon by 22 points.
