By Matt Underwood Major Unions Are Dropping Cuomo to Back Mamdani in N.Y.C. Mayor’s Race, and that’s a big deal. Unions wield significant power, particularly in New York City, and their decisions often carry a lot of weight in elections. Their backing can translate into boots on the ground, volunteers, and financial resources, all crucial elements for any candidate looking to win. This shift, where major unions are now favoring Zohran Mamdani over the former Governor, speaks volumes. It indicates a clear prioritization of policy over perceived political expediency, a refreshing change from the usual backroom deals. It’s encouraging to see these organizations choosing to rally behind a progressive candidate, someone who may not be part of the established order but whose platform resonates with their members and the broader community.
It’s hard to ignore the significance of this happening in the context of Andrew Cuomo’s continued presence in the race. The fact that Cuomo, backed by a significant portion of the Democratic establishment, intends to stay on the ballot as a spoiler candidate further complicates the situation. This has the potential to divide the Democratic vote and, at a time when the left needs a strong voice, potentially undermine the chances of progressive candidates. This move by the unions to support Mamdani can be seen as a direct challenge to this strategy, a pushback against the status quo. It shows that some in the establishment are beginning to see the changing tide, and they might be more inclined to support the candidate who actually represents the city’s citizens and their needs.
The reasoning behind the unions’ initial hesitation, the potential desire to align with the perceived “winning” candidate, could be rooted in a desire to maintain influence. The desire to support the winning candidate is understandable. Unions, like any powerful group, often aim to secure their place at the table, regardless of party affiliation. This is the nature of the political beast. But now, it looks like things are changing. Many believe that supporting Mamdani is the right thing to do.
It’s also worth considering the potential impact on the broader political landscape. If unions in other cities and states begin to follow this pattern, it could signify a significant shift in how campaigns are funded and run. It might encourage artists and celebrities to use their platforms to advocate for their favorite politicians and make this a norm. It could potentially create space for more candidates who align with their core values and address the needs of the working class. The more wins at the local level, the more normalized these candidates become, which ultimately increases their chances of winning on a national stage. This is what the unions backing Mamdani will potentially help.
The response of establishment Democrats, or their lack of, is telling. This will also set a precedence, because the establishment may see the shift, and it may cause them to embrace the same candidate. They’re not necessarily against what Mamdani stands for, or they would’ve said something by now. It’s all about optics for them. The goal for many in the Democratic establishment is simply to retain their monopoly as the controlled opposition, by sabotaging any remaining potential for a better future.
However, the endorsement of Mamdani by a major figure like Chuck Schumer is a positive sign. These kinds of endorsements can be incredibly powerful in shaping public opinion and boosting a candidate’s visibility. The fact that Schumer is even considering, if he hasn’t already, says a lot about the evolving political landscape. It suggests a willingness to adapt and recognize the growing support for progressive candidates. This shows that he is not only a politician, but a leader.
It remains to be seen how this will all play out in the New York City mayoral race. The unions backing Mamdani, however, represents a significant development. It’s a clear signal that priorities are shifting, that policy is gaining ground over the usual political maneuvers. In a time when the political landscape is changing rapidly, and the public is looking for genuine leadership, this is a trend that may well continue to gain momentum.