State Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos is backing supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis for mayor, The Post has learned.
Skelos (R-Rockville Center) is the highest ranked GOP elected official in New York to endorse Catsimatidis.
Last week, former three-term Republican Gov. George Pataki announced his support for Catsimatidis, who faces a three-way GOP primary against former MTA chairman Joe Lhota and Doe Fund founder George McDonald.
“When you look at his resume, his accomplishments and his commitment to its people, it becomes abundantly clear that John Catsimatidis is the candidate best qualified to be the next mayor of New York City,” Skelos said.
The two have worked together on pro-business legislation and issues surrounding religious freedom. Catsimatidis also has been a generous donor to GOP efforts to hold onto control of the divided state Senate.
Both Skelos and Catsimatidis are proud members of New York’s tight-knit Greek American community.
“John Catsimatidis will be a mayor who can reach out to the city’s vibrant immigrant communities. He understands their hopes and dreams because he’s lived them. He will be a great mayor,” Skelos said.