Unions 32BJ and HTC endorse Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral race.

The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC) alongside 32 BJ, two prominent private sector unions in New York City known for their significant political influence, have recently endorsed Zohran Mamdani in his mayoral campaign. This endorsement is notable, especially considering that both unions had previously supported former Governor Andrew Cuomo in his unsuccessful bid for a comeback in the recent election cycle.

Mamdani’s campaign gains momentum as he strategizes for the upcoming general mayoral election in November, a contest in which he will be confronting incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. The unions’ endorsement serves as a strategic pivot in the political landscape of New York City, especially given their prior backing of Adams, which played a critical role in his victory in the 2021 mayoral election.

Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, emphasized his commitment to advancing the welfare of working-class New Yorkers. He articulated that his campaign is focused on promoting dignity in the workplace and creating affordable living conditions across neighborhoods in the city. The support from HTC and 32 BJ reinforces his objective to represent the interests of those who form the backbone of New York City’s labor force. Mamdani expressed gratitude for the unions’ backing, stating that their partnership highlights a shared commitment to improving the lives of everyday New Yorkers.

Rich Maroko, president of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, underlined the alignment of the union’s priorities with those of Mamdani. Maroko noted their confidence in Mamdani, particularly regarding his commitment to advocating for hospitality workers and creating a more equitable city. His sentiments reflect a significant turnaround, especially after initial unease regarding Mamdani’s lead over Cuomo during the early election results.

Meanwhile, 32 BJ President Manny Pastreich outlined the enthusiasm among his members, particularly building workers, to mobilize for Mamdani. He praised Mamdani for uniting New Yorkers around a positive and ambitious vision for an affordable city, asserting his readiness to address challenges from higher levels of government.

The endorsement of Mamdani marks a pivotal shift in labor politics within New York City, especially as both unions had previously expressed a need for accountability from Cuomo prior to their support for his candidacy. The unions’ decision to back Mamdani follows his surprising primary election victory, which prompted Cuomo to concede, signaling a changing tide in the city’s political landscape.

As the general election season approaches, Mamdani’s campaign will likely focus on leveraging this robust union support to galvanize voters and establish a competitive stance against Mayor Adams. With labor unions playing a crucial role in voter mobilization, how this endorsement influences the overall election dynamics remains to be seen.