US Representative Tom Suozzi has expressed his support for former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the competitive Democratic Party primary for mayor. Suozzi stated that he chose to endorse Cuomo because he is opposed to the idea of “the socialists” emerging victorious.

Prior to his endorsement of Cuomo, Suozzi was known to be a close associate of city Mayor Eric Adams. His decision comes at a time when liberal candidate Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America pose significant challenges to Cuomo’s bid for a political comeback.

“I don’t want the socialists to win,” Suozzi told The Post.

Having previously endorsed Adams for mayor in 2021, Suozzi, who serves the Third Congressional District of New York, has now switched his support to Cuomo. The close relationship between Suozzi and Adams was evident to the extent that Suozzi was even considered a potential candidate for the position of deputy mayor.

Times have changed, Suozzi said.

He said he likes Adams and credited the one-term incumbent for drops in crime, but said there was too much too controversy and scandal swirling around him.

Adams dropped out of the Democratic primary after he faced federal corruption charges that were later dropped by the Trump administration. He is running as an independent in the general election.

“New York City is facing colossal challenges, and we need a proven, common-sense leader who has the experience and proven record to get things done,” Suozzi said.

“I’m endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor because he doesn’t just talk about solving problems — he actually fixes them – from LGA, Second Avenue Subway, Moynihan Station, and so much more.”

Suozzi was one of the last House members from New York to urge Cuomo to resign as governor in 2021 following a spate of sexual misconduct accusations that the ex-governor denies.

“Andrew is not perfect. No one is,” Suozzi said..

“It is clear, however, that he is the best choice for mayor.”

Cuomo said he was honored to have the congressman’s endorsement as early voting is set to begin Saturday. The primary is June 24.

“I’ve known Tom for decades — he’s effective, experienced, and a leader who knows how to get things done,” he said in a statement. “We need more of that type of can-do attitude, and I look forward to working together to make our city safer and more affordable.”

Suozzi is the latest moderate to back Cuomo, two days after former Mayor Mike Bloomberg endorsed the ex-governor.

Cuomo also has the endorsements of New York Congress members Ritchie Torres, Adriano Espaillat, and Greg Meeks, the Queens Democratic Party chairman.

Mamdani, the democratic socialist representing Astoria and Western Queens, is surging in most polls and closing in on frontrunner Cuomo. Mamdani has the backing of democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Nydia Velázquez.

Suozzi, whose district includes a swath of Northeast Queens and Nassau County, left his House seat in 2022 to run for governor, losing in the Democratic primary to Gov. Kathy Hochul.

He reclaimed the House seat in a 2024 special election.