Queens State Senator Jessica Ramos sits down for an candid conversation about one of the most controversial decisions of her political career: endorsing former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary for mayor after years of publicly criticizing him and calling for his resignation.

The Colombian-American legislator opens up about the political calculations behind that stunning move, her fractured relationships with fellow progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, and why she believes her campaign for mayor never gained traction. Ramos also reflects on growing up in Jackson Heights during the cartel wars of the 1980s, her father's influence on her public service career, and whether her independent streak will cost her politically as she faces a primary challenge from Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas next year. It's a raw, revealing portrait of an elected official who refuses to play it safe — even when it might be the smarter move.

Ramos' picks:

• A NYC park: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
• Books: "Black Edge" by Sheelah Kolhatkar, "Invisible Child" by Andrea Elliott
• A NYC place for landmark status: Casa Amadeo record store
• An AI tool: ChatGPT

Mentioned:

• New York Editorial Board
• Max Politics, by Ben Max
• Manuel de Dios Unanue
• El Diario La Prensa

• Roosevelt Avenue's history

Show notes

Guest: Jessica Ramos, New York State Senator (Queens), Chair of the Labor Committee

Topics Discussed:

• The Cuomo endorsement
• Campaign struggles
• Fractured progressive relationships:
• Zohran Mamdani's meteoric rise
• Growing up in Jackson Heights

Key Moments:

• [01:55] Ramos explains her Cuomo endorsement
• [07:42] Refuses to say whether she'll vote for Mamdani or Cuomo in the general election
• [12:27] Her assessment of Mamdani's campaign success
• [19:25] Reveals she hasn't spoken meaningfully to AOC in years
• [22:42] Shares a previously untold story about Assemblywoman Cruz

Recorded at: Pulitzer Hall, Columbia Journalism School, New York City