New York Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has secured the endorsement of Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a significant figure in the Latino community, in his bid to become New York City’s next mayor.
Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the House of Representatives, and his support carries considerable influence among voters in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, where he represents much of the demographic that aligns with Mamdani’s campaign.
“Zohran Mamdani brings clarity, discipline, and a deep commitment to tackling the stubborn issues facing New York City,” Espaillat expressed in a statement.
He emphasized that Mamdani understands that the city’s viability is jeopardized if everyday New Yorkers, the backbone of its economy, struggle to afford living there.
Highlighting Mamdani’s focus on cost of living and housing, Espaillat noted that this reflects a strong vision for making New York a place that serves those striving for the American dream.
“I’m proud to endorse him because New Yorkers deserve a mayor who will wake up every day and fight for them,” Espaillat added.
Interestingly, this endorsement contrasts with Espaillat’s previous stance when he supported former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, even after urging for Cuomo’s resignation due to sexual harassment allegations.
Mamdani has demonstrated considerable support in neighborhoods within Espaillat’s district, notably winning areas like Washington Heights and Harlem by more than 17 points in the initial round of the ranked-choice primary.
In an analysis by The New York Times, he was shown to have surpassed Cuomo by six points in precincts with a majority Hispanic population.
Espaillat’s support for Mamdani also occurs during a turbulent period for current Mayor Eric Adams, who has experienced a significant drop in approval ratings among Hispanic voters—plummeting to just 14% as noted in a Quinnipiac University poll from March.
Requests for comments from Adams and Cuomo regarding Espaillat’s endorsement went unanswered immediately.
Expressing gratitude for the backing, Mamdani remarked, “Congressman Espaillat has been on the front lines of the fight against Donald Trump’s authoritarian administration.
We both recognize that the only way we can protect our city is by standing firm in our values and advocating for the working-class and immigrant communities that define us.”
Mamdani, who is vying for the Democratic nomination, will face Adams, running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the November general election.
Cuomo is also eligible to run as an independent but has not committed to a campaign for the general election.
The endorsement from Espaillat adds to the momentum Mamdani has gained from other prominent progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Meanwhile, several notable Democrats, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Governor Kathy Hochul, have yet to express formal support for Mamdani.
Espaillat’s endorsement carries weight, particularly because he previously criticized Adams for his collaboration with President Donald Trump on immigration issues.
This comes as tensions rise, with Trump making threats against Mamdani if he opts to ignore Immigration and Customs Enforcement directives as mayor, pledging to remove all ICE officers from city facilities.
Trump has also suggested a federal takeover of both New York City and Washington, D.C., warning that a communist mayor could drastically change the city’s character.
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