Cuomo Defended by Faith Leader Amid Mayoral Run and Vaccine Equity Criticism

With former Governor Andrew Cuomo running for New York City mayor, allies have begun pushing back against criticism of his record — particularly regarding his handling of vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an op-ed published in the Daily News, Reverend Patrick Young of First Baptist Church in East Elmhurst defended Cuomo’s leadership, particularly his commitment to communities of color during one of the city’s darkest periods.

The op-ed directly rebukes City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who is also running for mayor and has publicly accused Cuomo of delaying vaccine access for Black New Yorkers. Reverend Young calls those accusations false and politically motivated, equating them to tactics seen during the Trump era. He states that Cuomo worked closely with the faith-based community to ensure equitable distribution, setting up vaccine clinics in churches, NYCHA complexes, and underserved neighborhoods, and launching targeted outreach campaigns to combat vaccine hesitancy.

Young emphasized that despite federal supply bottlenecks under the Trump administration, Cuomo prioritized marginalized communities and even delayed his own vaccination as a gesture of solidarity. The reverend called Cuomo’s efforts a matter of both public health and civil rights, noting his willingness to take legal action against unequal federal distribution plans.

The op-ed signals an organized effort by Cuomo’s allies to reframe his pandemic record — not just as competent, but as morally driven and inclusive. It also aims to counter Adams’ campaign narrative and reestablish Cuomo as a leader capable of guiding New York City through its current challenges.

Whether voters embrace this revised framing remains to be seen, but Cuomo’s camp is clearly positioning him as a proven, steady hand in contrast to what they see as opportunistic political attacks.