Democratic socialist and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani clinched two key union endorsements on Friday, rounding out an already successful week on the heels of Tuesday night’s primary election win.
Newsweek previously reached out to Mamdani’s campaign via email Friday for comment.
Why It Matters
Mamdani’s victory in the primary against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, sparking debate about its direction and the influence of progressive platforms.
Mamdani’s triumph, built on promises like free city bus rides, free child care, and city-owned grocery stores, has magnified internal rifts within the Democratic Party following the 2024 presidential election loss.
The New York assemblyman ultimately landed the backing of key lawmakers like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, and independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, but was largely unknown to New Yorkers when he announced his intent to run, per the Associated Press (AP).
Mamdani’s win could underscore potential shifts in national and local Democratic politics, with trends pointing toward embracing candidates aligned more with progressive agendas.
What To Know
On Friday, Mamdani landed the backing of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council along with the 32BJ SEIU.
Both unions, influential in city and state politics, previously backed Cuomo in his race for mayor.
Manny Pastreich, president of 32BJ SEIU, told Spectrum News NY1 via phone on Friday that, “We met with Zohran today. He came and spoke to our executive board and the board voted to endorse him.”
Continuing, Pastreich said that Mamdani’s “combination of a vision that put working people of New York front and center, raising wages and how to bring down prices of the most expensive things” helped secure the endorsement from 32BJ SEIU.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the union said in part, “We look forward to putting boots on the ground and joining the @ZohranKMamdani coalition working to build a truly affordable city! 1/”
Hotel and Gaming Trades Council also posted to X on Friday announcing the endorsement, saying, “Less than 48 hours after the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, presumptive winner @ZohranKMamdani visited our union’s headquarters to meet with HTC President Rich Maroko and a crowd of HTC members about his campaign for Mayor.”
“‘It would be an honor to have the support of the hardworking men and women of this union. It would be an honor even more than that to have your partnership to make this the greatest City in the world so that every single New Yorker who builds it can afford to stay in it,’ Zohran Mamdani told the crowd. Today, our union proudly announced our endorsement.”
Mamdani’s ability to attract endorsements from unions that had previously backed establishment figures demonstrates sustained momentum and highlights fault lines in the party.
Following Mamdani’s primary victory, Republican Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee publicly called for Mamdani’s deportation. In response, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York condemned those remarks as “disgusting” in a news conference on Friday.
The public defense from Schumer is notable following Mamdani’s win as it could possibly trigger panic buttons for him and other Democratic establishment leaders alike, as some pollsters argue that Ocasio-Cortez could potentially challenge Schumer’s Senate seat.
Mamdani also posted endorsements from the New York State Nurses Association and state senator and Candidate for Manhattan borough president Brad Hoylman-Sigal on social media Friday.
What People Are Saying
Senator Sanders on X on Friday: “Mamdani won. The establishment is in panic. Billionaires are raising money against him; Trump is ranting; Islamophobes are on the loose. They know what we know: Candidates who stand boldly with the working class can win not only in NYC, but anywhere. Let’s stand with Zohran.”
Mamdani on X on Thursday: “On Tuesday, New Yorkers delivered a mandate for a Mayor who puts working people first and makes this city affordable for all.”
What Happens Next?
Mamdani is now expected to ramp up general election campaigning, widening his coalition and consolidating support from key Democratic constituencies.
With national attention focused on New York, endorsements and opposition will likely intensify ahead of the mayoral general election in November.
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