At a rally with shades of presidential ambitions, Governor Andrew Cuomo declared that Democrats are not going to let Republicans win when it comes to doing away with the Affordable Care Act.

Cuomo, rumored to make a run for the White House in 2020, addressed the powerful 1199 SEIU at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Pelham Parkway/Morris Park on Feb. 22, rallying rank and file union members.

He used his platform to criticize the Republicans’ position, taking a definitive stance on health care policy. According to Cuomo, New York faces a $3.7 billion loss to the Medicaid program should the elimination of ACA take shape. This would leave three million New Yorkers without health insurance, according to Cuomo.  He asserts that action must be taken to preserve the current healthcare system.

“We say that healthcare is a human right and it doesn’t depend on whether you’re rich or whether you’re poor or where you live.” said Cuomo at the rally.

Cuomo’s talking points weren’t all about healthcare. Transitioning to other federal issues that could hurt New York, Cuomo shifted to education, adding the state is battling for more funds for public education. “Why?” asked Cuomo. “Because there are too many failing schools out there. Especially in poorer urban communities.”

Cuomo emphasized the division between households earning below and households earning above $125,000 a year. According to Cuomo, those making more than $125,000 do not understand the need for public education and universal healthcare, which low income individuals and families view as a necessity.

Cuomo referenced his own foreign heritage when addressing the New York immigration population. He discussed their fear of deportation and their fear of being separated from their families. “The other side doesn’t see this. They don’t come from a community that has large immigrant populations, but we do.” Cuomo said.

Cuomo also addressed Democrats in Congress directly, urging them to fight back against Republican policy.  According to him, this is what Republicans have done during democratic presidencies, and what democrats should now imitate. “It’s time to get principal and remember who you are; and who sent you there; and who you represent…” he said.

“While they’re in Washington trying to tear down what we built, we’re going to build it stronger in New York,” he said.

It wasn’t hard for some to catch on to Cuomo’s aspirations for the White House. At the beginning of the rally, a supporter shouted, “Cuomo for President.”

“Don’t be starting trouble now,” said Cuomo with a smile.