New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Lindsey Boylan — the first woman to publicly accuse former Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment — in a City Council race on Friday, his latest attempt to wield his political clout to influence Democratic contests.
Boylan "represents the kind of fearless leadership this moment demands," Mamdani said in a statement. "She has shown a willingness to tell hard truths, to challenge entrenched power, and to stand up for working people even when it isn't easy. That courage matters."
Mamdani ran against Cuomo for mayor last year, beating him once in the Democratic primary, then again in the general election after the former governor ran as a third-party candidate. During that race, Boylan occasionally demonstrated outside Cuomo campaign events to draw attention to the harassment scandal that drove him from power.
What the Right Is Saying
Cuomo allies have responded harshly to Mamdani's endorsement. Former Gov. Cuomo's spokesperson Rich Azzopardi called Boylan "a perennial candidate" unworthy of support.
Asked about Mamdani's endorsement Friday, Azzopardi said the former governor "never harassed anyone."
"Mamdani endorsing her tells you everything you need to know about him and his new era," Azzopardi said.
The endorsement puts Mamdani at odds with Council Speaker Julie Menin, who has endorsed another candidate for the open Manhattan seat, as the two leaders battle over the city's budget direction.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressives are framing Mamdani's endorsement as part of a broader effort to shift New York City politics leftward. The mayor's statement emphasized Boylan's willingness to challenge power structures and advocate for working people.
"As we work to usher in a new era in our city's politics, and advance our affordability agenda, I need partners in the work like Lindsey and that's why I am proud to endorse her campaign for City Council," Mamdani said.
Boylan, who previously had unsuccessful runs for Congress and Manhattan borough president, said she was honored to receive the endorsement. "I was proud to support the Mayor in his campaign to bring affordability and change to New York City," she said.
The endorsement is Mamdani's latest move to build support in the City Council after taking office. He previously endorsed Brad Lander, a former city hall challenger, in a race against U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, and backed democratic socialist state lawmaker Claire Valdez to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
What the Numbers Show
In 2020, Boylan accused Cuomo of sexually harassing her when she was an economic development adviser in his administration. She said he subjected her to an unwanted kiss and inappropriate comments.
Cuomo has denied the allegations. He resigned in 2021 after a report released by the New York state attorney general concluded that he had sexually harassed 11 women, including Boylan.
Boylan's City Council special election is scheduled for April 28. She has run unsuccessfully for Congress and Manhattan borough president in previous elections.
Mamdani defeated Cuomo in both the Democratic primary and general election last year, a remarkable turnaround for a candidate who rose from relative obscurity to become a national progressive star.
The Bottom Line
Mamdani's endorsement of Boylan signals his continued effort to consolidate progressive power in New York City politics. The move puts him directly against Council Speaker Julie Menin in the race for an open Manhattan seat.
The endorsement also highlights Mamdani's willingness to align with survivors of political figures he has opposed, having run explicitly against Cuomo's record during his mayoral campaign.
What to watch: Whether Mamdani's brand of progressive politics can translate into electoral success down-ballot, and how moderate Democrats respond to his growing influence over party nominations in New York City.