Mamdani and Lander endorse each other in NYC mayors race

Published: Friday, June 13, 2025 at 4:20 pm

Lander and Mamdani Announce Cross-Endorsement in Mayoral Race

In a strategic move, Comptroller Brad Lander and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani have announced a cross-endorsement in the Democratic mayoral primary. The announcement comes after the two candidates jointly criticized former Governor Andrew Cuomo during a recent debate.

During the debate, Lander and Mamdani focused their attacks on Cuomo's record, including his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations. Mamdani highlighted Cuomo's perceived disconnect with Muslim New Yorkers, citing a controversial flyer produced by a pro-Cuomo super PAC. Lander questioned Cuomo's language regarding undocumented immigrants.

Both Lander and Mamdani emphasized the importance of unity to prevent a repeat of past election outcomes. Lander stated that he is proud to cross-endorse Mamdani due to his commitment to a more affordable New York and to prevent Cuomo from becoming mayor. Mamdani expressed his pride in ranking Lander second on his ballot, citing their shared vision for the city.

The debate appeared to be a positive day for Lander. Prior to the debate, the New York Times opinion section published a series from a panel of local experts on the race, with Lander being the group's top choice.

Cuomo, who is leading in most polls, defended his qualifications, citing his experience in overseeing major public works projects. He dismissed Lander's fiscal oversight of the current administration and questioned Mamdani's experience, particularly his lack of experience in negotiating with unions or building projects.

BNN's Perspective: The cross-endorsement between Lander and Mamdani represents a significant development in the mayoral race. While it remains to be seen how this will impact the final outcome, it demonstrates a strategic effort to consolidate support and challenge the frontrunner. The focus on Cuomo's past and the emphasis on affordability and unity suggest a shift in the campaign's dynamics.

Keywords: Mayoral race, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, cross-endorsement, Democratic primary, debate, affordability, New York City, election, politics, campaign, comptroller, assemblymember, endorsements.

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