Two major NYC unions back Mamdani's general election bid for mayor
NEW YORK — Two major labor unions that backed Andrew Cuomo's failed Democratic mayoral bid are set to endorse upstart democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, two people with knowledge of the matter confirmed to POLITICO.
The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and 32BJ SEIU, which represents building service workers in New York City, are intending to back the Democratic nominee as Cuomo ponders whether to run as an independent.
'Congratulations to @ZohranKMamdani on a decisive victory in the democratic primary for Mayor. We can all find inspiration in an optimistic and positive vision of a New York that works for working people. - a vision that has always motivated @32BJSEIU members,' 32BJ's president, Manny Pastreich, posted on X Wednesday evening, one day after the Albany lawmaker stunned the political establishment by toppling the dynastic Cuomo Tuesday.
Mamdani met with HTC President Rich Maroko this week after this primary, according to one person with direct knowledge of the meeting.
Representatives for the unions couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
The endorsements are an indication Mamdani is pulling together institutional support after his upset over the moderate Democratic ex-governor.
Mamdani is set to meet next month with influential business leaders who are skeptical of his tax and spending proposals, according to NY1.
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New York voter Zainab Shabbir said family members in California, and beyond, have also excitedly taken note. 'My family in California, they were very much like, 'Oh, it's so nice to see a South Asian Muslim candidate be a mayor of a major city,'' she said. A brother told her Mamdani's rise is a great example for his kids, she said. But the 34-year-old — who donated, voted and canvassed for Mamdani — said it was his vision for New York City that was the draw for her. She and her husband briefly chatted with Mamdani at a fundraiser and she found him to be 'very friendly and genuine.' She suspects that for some who aren't very politically active, Mamdani's political ascent could make a difference. 'There's a lot of Muslim communities like my parents' generation who are focused a lot more on the politics back home and less on the politics here in America,' said Shabbir. 'Seeing people like Zohran Mamdani be in office, it'll really change that perspective in a lot of people.' 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