High-Profile Endorsement: Zohran Mamdani Backs Democratic Socialist in Brooklyn-Queens Congressional Race
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a prominent figure on the progressive left, has thrown his weight behind Claire Valdez, a 36-year-old state assemblymember from Queens, in her bid to replace Rep. Nydia VelΓ‘zquez in a district that spans both Brooklyn and Queens.
Valdez's name was recently cleared by Mamdani, who had been expected to endorse her from the outset. This move has injected significant momentum into her campaign, particularly among labor unions and democratic socialists. As a strong advocate for workers' rights, Valdez has garnered valuable backing from United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who described her as a "working-class fighter" determined to take on the billionaire class.
Mamdani's decision to support Valdez comes amidst an increasingly competitive Democratic primary landscape in Brooklyn-Queens. Valdez will face off against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, a progressive with deep ties to the party establishment. The mayor acknowledged his respect for Reynoso but emphasized the need for an open primary as an opportunity to "respectfully and thoughtfully shape the future of the party."
Valdez's history as a labor organizer at Columbia University has impressed Mamdani, who believes that her background will enable her to connect with voters in the district. The mayor stressed the importance of having a "labor organizer" in Congress, someone who can champion legislation like union-friendly reforms and Medicare for All.
With Fain's endorsement, Valdez now boasts significant support from progressive luminaries on the labor front. Her campaign has gained substantial momentum, particularly among democratic socialists and workers' rights advocates. As the Brooklyn-Queens congressional seat remains competitive, Valdez's backing by Mamdani and Fain could prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of the primary election.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a prominent figure on the progressive left, has thrown his weight behind Claire Valdez, a 36-year-old state assemblymember from Queens, in her bid to replace Rep. Nydia VelΓ‘zquez in a district that spans both Brooklyn and Queens.
Valdez's name was recently cleared by Mamdani, who had been expected to endorse her from the outset. This move has injected significant momentum into her campaign, particularly among labor unions and democratic socialists. As a strong advocate for workers' rights, Valdez has garnered valuable backing from United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who described her as a "working-class fighter" determined to take on the billionaire class.
Mamdani's decision to support Valdez comes amidst an increasingly competitive Democratic primary landscape in Brooklyn-Queens. Valdez will face off against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, a progressive with deep ties to the party establishment. The mayor acknowledged his respect for Reynoso but emphasized the need for an open primary as an opportunity to "respectfully and thoughtfully shape the future of the party."
Valdez's history as a labor organizer at Columbia University has impressed Mamdani, who believes that her background will enable her to connect with voters in the district. The mayor stressed the importance of having a "labor organizer" in Congress, someone who can champion legislation like union-friendly reforms and Medicare for All.
With Fain's endorsement, Valdez now boasts significant support from progressive luminaries on the labor front. Her campaign has gained substantial momentum, particularly among democratic socialists and workers' rights advocates. As the Brooklyn-Queens congressional seat remains competitive, Valdez's backing by Mamdani and Fain could prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of the primary election.