Asian Wave Alliance Endorses Andrew Cuomo for Mayor in NYC Primary Election

June 9, 2025 (New York, NY)  Asian Wave Alliance (AWA), a nonpartisan political club, proudly endorses candidates for the NYC primary election, emphasizing public safety, excellent public schools, and economic prosperity for New York City’s growing Asian community.

For Mayor, we enthusiastically endorse Andrew Cuomo as our #1 ranked choice. His proven leadership as former governor includes a strong stance on public safety, advocating for increased police presence and stricter enforcement of quality-of-life violations to address the crime surge that has plagued the city under recent administrations. On education, Governor Cuomo has expressed support for maintaining the SHSAT, recognizing its role in upholding merit-based admissions at New York City’s specialized high schools. “Govenor Cuomo’s deep understanding of the priorities of Asian New Yorkers and proven management experience gives us the greatest confidence in his turning the city around,” said Yiatin Chu, President of Asian Wave Alliance.

For our ranked-choice voting recommendations, we endorse Whitney Tilson as our #2 ranked choice. Tilson supports a robust approach to public safety with a solid plan to cut crime by 50%. “Tilson’s commitment to addressing NYC schools is most impressive. He will deliver much needed accountability of student outcomes and protect the Specialized High Schools,” said Yi Fang Chen, Vice President of AWA. 

Our #3 choice is Scott Stringer, who supports increasing the size of the police force and ramping up enforcement of both quality-of-life violations and serious crimes to restore safety across the city. “As the only candidate with public school kids, Mr. Stringer understands the need for schools that challenge all students and has come to support the SHSAT as the sole admission criteria which is greatly welcomed by parents,” said Donghui Zang, cofounder of AWA and President of New York City Residents Alliance.

For Public Advocate, we already announced an early endorsement for Jenifer Rajkumar. Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s legislative record demonstrates her strong commitment to public safety, quality of life and education including opposing the closing of Rikers, shuttering illegal cannabis shops and supporting Gifted and Talented programs. Rajkumar supports maintaining the SHSAT and as a daughter of immigrants truly understands the priorities of the Asian community. 

For Comptroller, we endorse Mark Levine. As Manhattan Borough President, Mr. Levine’s connection with the Chinatown community helped him understand our community’s top issues including the pains of small property owners and the impact of congestion pricing. Most recently, Mr. Levine’s PEP appointee voted for the SHSAT test contract, securing that the Specialized High School test can be given for the next five years. As comptroller, he pledges to bring more transparency to NYC school expenditures and policies so that more resources are making it into the classroom where it matters most.

For Brooklyn Borough President, we strongly endorse Khari Edwards, whose proactive leadership and deep-rooted commitment to Brooklyn’s diverse communities, including its significant and growing Asian population, make him an exceptional candidate. Edwards has actively engaged with the Asian community, as demonstrated by his recent platform-sharing with the Asian Wave Alliance, emphasizing inclusion of all Brooklynites. 

We are excited to endorse in the following city council races:

District 1: Eric Yu

District 30: Phil Wong

District 38: Ling Ye

District 47 Republican Primary: George Sarantopoulos; no endorsement for the Democratic Primary

The Asian Wave Alliance urges New Yorkers to vote in the primary election to support these candidates who share our values of safety, meritocracy, opportunity, and inclusive engagement with the Asian community. New York’s primary election is crucial to determining the direction of our city for the next four years. We need strong, decisive leadership to restore order, fairness, and opportunity. “The primary election is our chance to select candidates who will prioritize safety, merit-based education, and inclusive governance, setting the stage for a brighter future for New York City’s growing Asian community,” said Jean Hahn, Second Vice President of AWA.

Early voting starts on Saturday June 14 at select poll sites throughout the city. Primary election day is Tuesday, June 24. You must be a registered Democrat to vote in the Democratic primaries for the citywide office and most local city council races.

Check your registration: https://amiregistered.vote.nyc/

Find your poll site: https://vote.nyc/page/find-your-poll-site