Good Morning, New York! Cuomo’s business leader donors are abandoning him for Eric Adams as they try to find someone able to win the election against Mamdani, the downstate casino license bids is today, and Curtis Sliwa denies rumors he is dropping out. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Friday, June 27th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: Albany and Franklin County, going on Northern Light on North Country Public Radio, and then convening w.ith Local Leaders Impacted by Federal Policies.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— The clock is ticking for the eight expected bidders vying for three downstate casino licenses, with the deadline set for TODAY. Though locations like Coney Island, Times Square and Citi Field are in the mix, big names like Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands have unexpectedly dropped out. Community support will be critical in the final decision, which is expected by year's end, as Manhattan may be less enthusiastic than other potential casino hosts. (Newsday)

— NYC's business elites are reportedly panicking over socialist Zohran Mamdani's primary win and are throwing their weight behind Mayor Eric Adams to stop him in the general election. Some former Cuomo backers are now supporting Adams, despite his low approval ratings and recent corruption indictment. The business community fears Mamdani's policies, with some leaders even considering drafting a new candidate to challenge him. (Semafor)

— Good news for airport workers: Gov. Hochul is celebrating the expansion of the Healthy Terminals Act at LaGuardia, ensuring better healthcare and paid leave. The updated act now covers an additional 15,000 workers, including part-time staff and those in concessions. Workers can also look forward to two to five weeks of paid vacation based on seniority. (QNS)

Capitol Gains

— A Florida man is in hot water for allegedly mailing a threatening letter with 'suspicious white powder' to NY Attorney General Letitia James's office. Though the powder wasn't actually dangerous, officials say Henry Garcia intended it to appear like a biological weapon to intimidate James. He's now facing federal charges that could land him in prison. (NY State of Politics)

— Zohran Mamdani now faces an uphill battle getting Albany on board with his ambitious agenda. To deliver on promises like universal child care and fare-free transit, he'll need state lawmakers to hike taxes by billions, but some are already skeptical due to his democratic socialist views and criticisms of Israel. Even if he can rally public support, Mamdani will have to overcome resistance from both legislators and the MTA to realize his vision for New York City. A very strong article from NYS Focus discusses the viability of that happening --> (NYS Focus)

— Carolyn McCarthy, the former NY U.S. Representative and gun control advocate, has died at 81. She rose to national prominence after her husband was killed in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre, which spurred her nearly two-decade career in Congress. During her time in office, McCarthy became a leading voice for gun control, successfully pushing for legislation to strengthen background checks and ban certain assault weapons. (Newsday)

Trail Mix

— Despite losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani, Cuomo will reportedly remain on the ballot for the NYC mayoral race in November. This sets the stage for a potential three-way showdown with Mamdani and independent incumbent Eric Adams, likely appealing to more moderate voters. However many of his donors may have abandoned him for Eric Adams, after his campaign was widely panned for its poor use of money and energy. (CNN)

— Eric Adams kicked off his reelection campaign surrounded by aides recently raided by the FBI, while hecklers reminded everyone about his past corruption accusations. Adams, now running as an independent, brushed off the drama, touting his record and slamming his opponent, Zohran Mamdani, as a 'Twitter politician.' Mamdani fired back, accusing Adams of corruption and failing working-class New Yorkers. (Gothamist)

— Despite mounting pressure, Curtis Sliwa refuses to drop out of the NYC mayoral race, even as rumors swirl that Eric Adams wants to take his place. Sources say Adams is actively trying to nab the GOP line. Sliwa scoffs at the idea he's heading to the Trump administration, accusing Adams of being 'panicked' amid fears of a socialist victory. (NY Post)