Mayor Eric Adams’ former first deputy Lorraine Grillo is now backing the campaign of Hizzoner’s biggest rival in the primary race: Andrew Cuomo.
Grillo hosted a fundraiser Wednesday night for the former governor’s comeback bid for mayor.
She’s the latest Adams ally or associate who has abandoned him for Cuomo, who leads the pack of candidates in the June Democratic primary.
Meanwhile, in a blow to the mayoral campaign of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, sources said Queens Democratic Party Chairman Gregory Meeks is expected to endorse Cuomo as early as this weekend.
Former Eric Adams allies, Brooklyn Democratic chairman Rodneyse Bichotte and her predecessor, former party leader Frank Seddio, have also turned their support to Cuomo.
Grillo previously served as a senior adviser to prior Mayor Bill de Blasio, overseeing pandemic recovery.
She declined to comment, but her husband Stephen Aiello confirmed they hosted the Cuomo fundraiser at their United Nations Plaza pad.
“That’s all I can say,” Aiello said.
Cuomo’s camp was thrilled.
“Lorraine was one of the most competent administrators in the de Blasio and Adams’ administrations,” an attendee said.
The mayor’s re-election campaign downplayed the fact that his former top deputy is backing Cuomo over her ex-boss.
“There are countless fundraisers happening across the city for candidates of all backgrounds—this is America, and everyone has the right to support whomever they choose,” said Adams’ campaign spokesman Todd Shapiro.
“That’s the beauty of our democracy. Mayor Adams respects the democratic process and the diverse voices that make our city so dynamic. He remains focused on delivering results for all New Yorkers.”
Meeks, also a congressman, represents some of the same predominantly black neighborhoods in Southeast Queens as Adrienne Adams.
“Meeks’ backing of Cuomo is the death knell for Adrienne’s campaign,” one Democratic Party insider claimed.
Adrienne Adams’ campaign declined to comment.
But it’s been an open secret in Queens Democratic Party circles that Meeks was leaning towards Queens native Cuomo.
“Andrew never lets us forget that he’s a Queens guy, and he remains liked in much of Queens,” said state Sen. John Liu, who is second vice chairperson of the borough’s Democratic Party.
June Bunch, the party’s first vice chair, said she prefers Adrienne Adams.
“I like what she stands for and that she stands up for her constituents. I like Cuomo also. He would be my second choice,” Bunch, of Hollis, said.
But Bunch said she would “follow the chairman” if Meeks endorses Cuomo.
