Working Families Party supports Brian Romero in New York Assembly race, creating potential division with Mamdani.
The New York Working Families Party (WFP) has officially endorsed Brian Romero in his bid for a competitive State Assembly seat in Queens, a decision that creates a notable divide between the party and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), as well as Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who are endorsing fellow candidate Aber Kawas. This endorsement marks a significant shift in the local political landscape, as factions within the progressive movement begin to delineate their stances in the run-up to the Democratic primary.
Romero, a DSA member and former chief of staff to Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas, was initially seen as a frontrunner for the seat, given his previous endorsement from González-Rojas. However, this perception changed shortly after Mayor Mamdani’s election in November, when a member of his advisory team informed DSA members at a closed-door meeting that the mayor would support Kawas in the upcoming primary for González-Rojas’s vacated seat. Though Mamdani has yet to formally endorse Kawas, the DSA quickly rallied behind her following that meeting, elevating her campaign amid growing tensions within the leftist factions.
In a decisive move, WFP officers convened to endorse Romero, a decision confirmed by co-director Jasmine Gripper. Gripper emphasized Romero’s deep community roots in Jackson Heights, a district with a significant Hispanic population facing unique challenges, particularly in light of recent immigration policies. She highlighted the importance of being connected to the community and expressed concern regarding Kawas’ relative newcomer status in the district.
Although Kawas also approached the WFP for endorsement, party leaders commended her strong advocacy for justice, stating that they looked forward to potentially collaborating with her in the future. This endorsement underscores the shifting dynamics within the local progressive movement, with the WFP increasingly establishing its own identity apart from the DSA and Mamdani.
The endorsement has broader implications, as it reflects an ongoing ideological rift among progressive leaders in New York City. Similarly, outgoing Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, a prominent figure within the progressive movement, endorsed Romero this week, indicating convergence between two factions of the left. Meanwhile, the competition for her congressional seat is growing fiercer, with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, a progressive, and Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, a democratic socialist, both vying for endorsement and support.
Gripper stated that healthy tension is normal within the leftist community, reflecting the diverse opinions and strategies present among its members. With the WFP lacking its own ballot line for primary elections but retaining influence in general elections, the implications of these endorsements will be closely monitored as the election cycle unfolds. The WFP is poised to navigate complex alliances as it engages with candidates in the ongoing races, indicating a shifting terrain for progressive politics in New York.
This nuance illustrates the evolving landscape of the left in New York, signaling that these factions may continue to face significant challenges as they pursue their political agendas.
