NEW YORK (AP) — Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City announced his support Friday for Lindsey Boylan’s City Council campaign, backing the woman who became the first to publicly level sexual harassment allegations against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The endorsement marks another move by the mayor to leverage his political influence in Democratic races across the city.
In his statement of support, Mamdani praised Boylan as someone who “represents the kind of fearless leadership this moment demands.”
“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,” the mayor stated.
During last year’s mayoral campaign, when Mamdani defeated Cuomo in both the Democratic primary and general election (where the former governor ran as a third-party candidate), Boylan frequently protested outside Cuomo’s campaign stops to highlight the harassment allegations that ultimately ended his governorship.
The backing represents part of Mamdani’s broader strategy to push New York politics in a more progressive direction, following his rapid rise from political newcomer to national progressive figure last year.
Shortly after his mayoral victory, Mamdani supported Brad Lander in his contest against U.S. Representative Dan Goldman, who enjoys backing from moderate Democrats including Governor Kathy Hochul, one of the mayor’s key supporters.
Earlier this month, the mayor entered another political contest by supporting Claire Valdez, a democratic socialist legislator, to replace retiring U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez. This created tension with Velázquez, who had supported Mamdani’s mayoral bid but prefers a different successor for her Brooklyn and Queens district.
Mamdani’s choice to support Boylan puts him at odds with Council Speaker Julie Menin, who has backed a different candidate for the Manhattan seat, as the two leaders clash over the city’s financial challenges.
The mayor openly discussed his broader political strategy in announcing his support for Boylan.
“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 explained.
Boylan expressed gratitude for the mayor’s backing after previous unsuccessful campaigns for Congress and Manhattan borough president.
“I was proud to support the Mayor in his campaign to bring affordability and change to New York City,” she stated. The special City Council election is scheduled for April 28.
Boylan first came forward in 2020 with allegations that Cuomo sexually harassed her during her time as an economic development advisor in his administration. Her accusations included claims of an unwanted kiss and inappropriate remarks.
While Cuomo has consistently denied these allegations, he stepped down from office in 2021 following a state attorney general’s investigation that found he had sexually harassed 11 women, including Boylan.
When asked about Mamdani’s endorsement Friday, Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azzopardi maintained the former governor “never harassed anyone.” He also criticized Boylan as “a perennial candidate” who doesn’t deserve support.
“Mamdani endorsing her tells you everything you need to know about him and his new era,” Azzopardi commented.
