Good Morning, New York! Hochul’s potential guardrails on Adams are facing strong opposition, NY institutes a new hiring initiative, and Cuomo wins a big union endorsement before he even enters the race. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Wednesday, February 26th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In NYC for the MTA Board Meeting, then in Albany for a Fireside Chat with Moms First Founder and CEO Reshma Suajani.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule yet.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— Hochul's plan to keep a closer eye on Mayor Adams is getting a chilly reception in the Assembly. Despite calls for Adams' removal, some lawmakers are wary of Hochul's proposed "guardrails," seeing them as a punt on the governor's responsibility. It's not just NYC reps, either, as upstate sources say there's little appetite for it outside the city, meaning Hochul may not have the votes to get it through the Legislature. (City & State NY)

— Eric Adams is digging in his heels against a bill aimed at dismantling the NYPD's gang database, arguing it's a crucial tool for curbing violence, especially against people of color. Supporters of the bill, though, say the database enables racial profiling and stigmatizes minority communities, leading to unfair targeting. While the NYPD insists it's tightened database rules, critics maintain it's nearly impossible to get your name removed. (NY Post)

— The panel deciding who gets NYC's casino licenses is down two members. Quenia Abreu (NY Women's Chamber of Commerce) resigned back in November, and Carlos Naudon (Ponce Bank) just stepped down last week. The Gaming Commission isn't saying why either member left, triggering questions about how the board will operate when they begin meeting in earnest this fall. (Crains)

Capitol Gains

— DOGE's federal layoffs have New York in a hiring mood. Gov. Hochul is actively recruiting feds who were recently fired, with a promotional initiative declaring, 'You're Hired!'. The move is both political, hitting out at a major Trump policy, and practical as the state government has struggled to hire for certain positions in recent years. (ABC7)

— Hochul is now saying that several prisons have been left completely "unguarded" amidst the wildcat strike of 15,000 correctional officers across the state. As the strike continues, she has been taking action to transfer inmates to facilities that were properly staffed. Strikes now effect 38 of 42 prisons in the state. (Buffalo News)

— Andrew Cuomo's past is catching up with him as a state panel quietly explores disbarring the former governor over sexual harassment allegations. The probe was launched after a complaint from the Sexual Harassment Working Group, arguing Cuomo's behavior and attempts to discredit investigators reflect poorly on the legal profession. While Cuomo's spokesperson dismisses the investigation as a "pro forma" process driven by political motives, the committee's activity suggests the allegations haven't been forgotten. (Gothamist)

— Kathy Hochul has nominated Amanda Lefton, a former Biden Interior Department official with offshore wind experience, to head the Department of Environmental Conservation. Lefton still needs State Senate approval. (State of Politics)

Trail Mix

— With Delgado out, is Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano eyeing the Lieutenant Governor's seat? Spano's success in Yonkers—including big investments like Lionsgate Studios and keeping crime in check—has folks speculating, especially since he's term-limited. While Spano says he's focused on Yonkers, his team admits he'd consider a call from Gov. Hochul, but some Dems question whether another white moderate from outside NYC is what the ticket needs. (Yonkers Times)

— Andrew Cuomo hasn't even announced his candidacy, but the carpenters union is already set to endorse him for NYC mayor. The union previously backed incumbent Eric Adams, but Cuomo's been busy wooing key supporters as he gears up for a likely campaign launch. Despite high negative ratings stemming from his resignation, Cuomo is currently considered the front-runner in early polls. (Politico)

— Albany County Legislator Jennifer Whalen ditched the Republican Party for the Democrats, citing a restrictive, retaliatory environment. She felt the Democratic Party was more aligned with her values, especially its support for women in leadership. Whalen's switch shrinks the Republican and Conservative conference in the County Legislature, but she still plans to compete in the Republican and Conservative party primaries for town justice. (Times Union)

— Kathy Hochul might have a tougher race than expected, leading a hypothetical matchup against GOP's Michael Lawler by only 8 points, according to a new Unite NY poll. In the NYC mayoral race, Andrew Cuomo is leading the Democratic primary. The poll also reveals strong voter support for election reforms like term limits and nonpartisan primaries. Read the full results --> (UniteNY)

— Sharon Owens is staying in the Syracuse mayoral race, landing the Working Families Party endorsement just days after the Democratic committee backed another candidate. This gives Owens an automatic spot on the general election ballot, even though the WFP has a relatively small voter base in the city. Owens welcomed the endorsement, saying the WFP’s commitment to justice aligns with her vision for Syracuse. (Syracuse.com)