NEW YORK — In a significant shift, two major labor unions, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and 32BJ SEIU, have decided to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City. This move comes after Mamdani’s surprising victory in the democratic primary, where he defeated the incumbent Andrew Cuomo.
The decision to support Mamdani over Cuomo reflects a changing landscape in NYC politics, with a growing interest in progressive candidates. The endorsements from these influential unions are seen as a boost to Mamdani’s campaign, signaling broader support from the labor movement.
Meeting with Union Leaders
Following his primary win, Mamdani engaged in discussions with union leaders, including HTC President Rich Maroko. These meetings aim to solidify the relationship between Mamdani and key stakeholders in the labor sector, highlighting his commitment to workers’ rights and fair labor practices.
32BJ’s president, Manny Pastreich, expressed his congratulations to Mamdani on Twitter, emphasizing the importance of a positive vision for New York that prioritizes working people. This endorsement from 32BJ SEIU, which represents building service workers in the city, underscores Mamdani’s appeal to diverse segments of the population.
Building Institutional Support
As Mamdani continues to gain momentum in the mayoral race, his focus shifts to garnering support from various sectors, including business leaders. Despite skepticism over his tax and spending proposals, Mamdani remains committed to engaging with stakeholders across different industries to address concerns and build consensus.
The endorsements from the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and 32BJ SEIU mark a pivotal moment in Mamdani’s campaign, showcasing his ability to unite diverse interests under a common vision for a more equitable and inclusive New York City.
