Mamdani and UAW Chief Endorse Democratic Socialist for Brooklyn-Queens Congressional Seat.
In a significant boost to his own campaign, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has publicly endorsed Claire Valdez, a 36-year-old state assemblymember from Queens. The backing comes with a powerful endorsement from United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who also plans to appear with Valdez at an upcoming event in Brooklyn.
Valdez, the Democratic Socialist-backed candidate, is set to face off against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in a primary battle for the congressional seat now vacated by Rep. Nydia Velázquez. The seat has long been associated with progressive values and has been represented by Velázquez, a trailblazing Puerto Rican leader who stepped down to pave the way for younger leaders.
According to Valdez's supporters, Mamdani's endorsement highlights his commitment to organizing pro-labor movements. "I truly believe that we need a labor organizer in Congress," the mayor said in an interview with Gothamist. He expressed confidence that Valdez would connect with voters in the district, which has been at the forefront of progressive activism.
Fain echoed this sentiment, calling Valdez a "working-class fighter who will take on the billionaire class and take back what's ours." The UAW chief's backing serves as a significant endorsement from the labor establishment, adding weight to Valdez's campaign.
Valdez praised both Fain and Mamdani for their dedication to organizing pro-labor movements. "The mayor's support will help us carry that fight forward in Congress for working people," she said in a statement.
As the primary battle approaches, Valdez faces a challenge from Reynoso, a progressive with ties to the Democratic establishment. The endorsement from two prominent figures on the left suggests that the contest may be more competitive than initially anticipated. With Mamdani's backing and Fain's support, Valdez is well-positioned to present herself as a champion of progressive values and pro-labor policies.
However, with his own ambitions likely influenced by the outcome, Mamdani's endorsement also serves as a test of the Democratic Socialists of America's influence in New York politics. The candidate's willingness to endorse Valdez – who has been his earliest mayoral campaign supporter – demonstrates a growing alignment between progressive politicians and labor leaders.
Ultimately, the primary battle in Brooklyn-Queens will shape not only Valdez's prospects but also the future direction of the Democratic Party in New York. As the contest unfolds, it remains to be seen how these endorsements will impact the outcome and the broader implications for American politics.
In a significant boost to his own campaign, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has publicly endorsed Claire Valdez, a 36-year-old state assemblymember from Queens. The backing comes with a powerful endorsement from United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who also plans to appear with Valdez at an upcoming event in Brooklyn.
Valdez, the Democratic Socialist-backed candidate, is set to face off against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in a primary battle for the congressional seat now vacated by Rep. Nydia Velázquez. The seat has long been associated with progressive values and has been represented by Velázquez, a trailblazing Puerto Rican leader who stepped down to pave the way for younger leaders.
According to Valdez's supporters, Mamdani's endorsement highlights his commitment to organizing pro-labor movements. "I truly believe that we need a labor organizer in Congress," the mayor said in an interview with Gothamist. He expressed confidence that Valdez would connect with voters in the district, which has been at the forefront of progressive activism.
Fain echoed this sentiment, calling Valdez a "working-class fighter who will take on the billionaire class and take back what's ours." The UAW chief's backing serves as a significant endorsement from the labor establishment, adding weight to Valdez's campaign.
Valdez praised both Fain and Mamdani for their dedication to organizing pro-labor movements. "The mayor's support will help us carry that fight forward in Congress for working people," she said in a statement.
As the primary battle approaches, Valdez faces a challenge from Reynoso, a progressive with ties to the Democratic establishment. The endorsement from two prominent figures on the left suggests that the contest may be more competitive than initially anticipated. With Mamdani's backing and Fain's support, Valdez is well-positioned to present herself as a champion of progressive values and pro-labor policies.
However, with his own ambitions likely influenced by the outcome, Mamdani's endorsement also serves as a test of the Democratic Socialists of America's influence in New York politics. The candidate's willingness to endorse Valdez – who has been his earliest mayoral campaign supporter – demonstrates a growing alignment between progressive politicians and labor leaders.
Ultimately, the primary battle in Brooklyn-Queens will shape not only Valdez's prospects but also the future direction of the Democratic Party in New York. As the contest unfolds, it remains to be seen how these endorsements will impact the outcome and the broader implications for American politics.