New York City’s powerful teachers union threw its support behind Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday, as major labor groups continue to coalesce around the Democratic mayoral nominee.
The United Federation of Teachers endorsement in the general election comes after the union — the city’s second largest with 200,000 members — could not reach consensus on a preferred candidate and opted to sit out the primary.
In a statement, UFT President Michael Mulgrew said the union’s highest decision-making body, the Delegate Assembly, considered which candidate would protect public education from the Trump administration, make the city safer and more affordable, and boost pay and benefits for public employees. The resolution passed with 63% of the vote, sources said.
“We need a mayor who understands the task before us and who will help us get it done,” Mulgrew said. “The UFT Delegate Assembly has determined that Zohran Mamdani can be that partner as the next mayor of New York City.”
Mamdani responded in a statement that he was “honored to have the support of UFT and look forward to working with the union as the next mayor to fully fund our public schools, provide quality education, and make sure teachers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
“Public education is under attack from Trump’s authoritarianism on the outside and an affordability crisis from the inside,” Mamdani said. “The need for a true fighter for New York City teachers and students has never been higher.”
At a town hall before the delegate assembly vote, sources said Mulgrew framed the race as coming down to two candidates: Mamdani and Mayor Adams. The union president previously called Adams a “hostage” to the Trump administration.
Adams has denied such allegations.
Andrew Cuomo had been a top contender in the endorsement process during the primary, but the former governor has yet to decide if he will campaign — though he will be on the ballot. Mulgrew revealed during the town hall that according to a small internal poll, UFT retirees largely voted Cuomo, while many in-service members went for Mamdani.
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