Zohran Mamdani’s 2028 game plan: NYC mayor backs Labor’s left-wing presidential candidate — Report | Today’s news
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is casting himself as a progressive kingmaker ahead of the 2028 US presidential election, holding private discussions with union leaders to drum up support for a left-leaning candidate, Axios reported.
Mamdani is urging union leaders and progressive allies to coordinate early, arguing that the movement cannot afford to squander the momentum gained in the midterm elections. The news outlet, citing four people familiar with the discussions, said the mayor emphasized the need for a Labor candidate to run in the Democratic presidential primary.
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and cannot become the US president, is said to be trying to play a role in shaping the field of potential candidates. According to the newsletter, he also wants progressive leaders to be prepared to unite against a front-running centrist candidate if they believe that person does not represent their interests.
News reports said one person who spoke with the mayor said Mamdani wants the progressive movement to be able to mobilize quickly and strategically if a moderate candidate emerges as the front-runner.
Mamdani addresses labor leaders
As part of those efforts, Mamdani met with Jimmy Williams Jr., president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, at Gracie Mansion last month to discuss the 2028 presidential race, according to a news report.
Mamdani reportedly asked Williams about potential candidates he favored and how his union’s endorsement process would work. He also asked if Williams had ever considered running for public office.
Mamdani also discussed the 2028 race and other issues with Sara Nelson, president of the Cabin Attendants Association-CWA. He is expected to meet with Shawn Fain, president of the United Automobile Workers (UAW), soon.
Axios reported that Mamdani had previously recruited and helped elect several left-wing congressional candidates in New York.
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The AOC’s plans for 2028 remain uncertain
Mamdani’s outreach reportedly comes amid growing concern among progressives that the 2028 Democratic presidential race could lack a prominent left-leaning candidate.
New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a close political ally of Mamdani, is seen by some as leaning toward a Senate run in 2028 rather than a presidential campaign. She said she was considering both options.
According to the news source, Mamdani privately admitted to uncertainty about whether Ocasio-Cortez would enter the presidential race. Her decision could significantly affect the Democratic primary and leave the progressive wing of the party looking for another candidate.
Some of her allies hope that the performance of progressive candidates in battleground states in the midterms will embolden her to seek the White House. However, Democrats won across the ideological spectrum in last week’s election.
Who might emerge as a progressive presidential candidate?
With Ocasio-Cortez’s plans still unclear, some progressives are considering alternatives.
Some on the left hope incoming Michigan Sen. Abdul El-Sayed will consider a presidential bid in 2028. Others support California Rep. Ro Khanna, who is widely expected to run, Axios reported.
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