UAW Endorsed Champion Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Mayoral Primary
“The working class is done with business as usual," said UAW President Shawn Fain in a video message congratulating UAW-endorsed Zohran Mamdani on his victory in yesterday's Democratic primary for New York City Mayor. "We were proud to be the first union to endorse Zohran because it’s time for a political movement that puts the working class first."
“The days of taking labor’s vote for granted are over. It’s time for labor to think about a bigger vision that lifts up and includes all working class people,” said UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla. “UAW members stepped up to fight for an affordable New York—and went to the mat for Zohran—because he made it clear whose side he’s on: workers.”
In December 2024, UAW Region 9A became the first union to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor, recognizing that his campaign squarely confronted New York’s cost-of-living crisis. His platform—to build affordable housing, freeze rents, make buses fast and free, and provide universal childcare—echoed UAW’s demands to make life affordable for working-class New Yorkers, most of whom are renters and commuters.
On May 30, UAW Region 9A reaffirmed our support, urging NYC UAW households to rank Mamdani first—making us the only major union to do so. UAW endorsed Brad Lander second and encouraged our members to fill out a complete ballot in order to defeat Andrew Cuomo. UAW members completed over 1,000 volunteer shifts in their personal capacities for Zohran’s campaign.
Zohran has shown up for all of our NYC locals at nearly every UAW rally and picket line in NYC. He has walked the picket line with members on strike in Local 2710, Local 2320, Local 2179, and Local 4100, and he has rallied alongside members from Local 2325, Local 259, and our new organizing campaigns.
Video highlights from UAW's campaign for Zohran:
Video testimonial from Shawn Fain: “We don’t need another hack politician like Cuomo”
60-second member testimonial: “Zohran was with us on the picket line from day one”
60-second ad featuring Shawn Fain: “Zohran isn’t owned by Wall Street”
30-second TV ad featuring members: “I’m telling all my friends and family vote Zohran Mamdani number one”
Two-minute video featuring GM auto workers: “Cuomo was absent and ignored every one of our calls”