Carl McCall made history in 2002 as the first Black candidate to win a major party nomination for New York governor. A longtime public servant, McCall was seen as a strong voice for fairness and inclusion. His candidacy carried deep significance for Black leaders and voters across the state.

That year, Andrew Cuomo entered the Democratic primary race against McCall. The move shocked many because McCall was already poised to carry the party banner. Cuomo’s campaign weakened McCall’s support, and although Cuomo eventually dropped out, the damage was done. McCall lost the general election to Republican George Pataki. Critics point to this moment as the beginning of Cuomo’s strained relationship with Black leaders.

The 2002 challenge to McCall was not the only time Cuomo’s actions drew criticism. In 2010, his allies allegedly pressured David Paterson, New York’s first Black governor, not to run for re-election. Paterson had stepped in after Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned, and many believed he deserved a full term.

Two years later, in 2012, Andrea Stewart-Cousins became the first Black woman to lead a legislative conference in New York. Yet she was reportedly excluded from key budget talks by Cuomo. These incidents added to concerns that Cuomo often sidelined prominent Black leaders.

Cuomo also faced backlash outside of election politics. In 2019, he quoted the N-word uncensored on live radio. Black leaders condemned the choice, calling it deeply offensive and unnecessary. The controversy damaged his reputation further.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, his vaccine rollout system faced similar criticism. The sign-up process was seen as favoring wealthier suburban areas while leaving out hard-hit Black neighborhoods like the South Bronx. For many, this confirmed long-standing fears about inequity under his leadership.

Now in 2025, Cuomo is once again in the political spotlight. He is runningagainst Mayor Eric Adams, New York City’s second Black mayor. Adams has openly criticized Cuomo’s record, highlighting his history of undermining Black leaders.

A new campaign ad from Adams accuses Cuomo of following the “same playbook” for over two decades. It connects the dots from McCall in 2002 to Paterson in 2010, Stewart-Cousins in 2012, and the COVID vaccine rollout in 2021. For Adams, the pattern is clear: Cuomo’s leadership has often come at the expense of Black political progress.

Carl McCall’s 2002 run was amilestone for New York politics. It marked the first time a Black candidate stood on the brink of becoming governor with major party backing. His loss, worsened by Cuomo’s challenge, continues to shape political debates today.

McCall’s story is a reminder of the struggle for representation. It also shows how decisions made within the party can affect broader fights for racial equity. As Cuomo and Adams face off in 2025, McCall’s historic run remains a powerful reference point for Black political leadership in New York.