UAW Endorses Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor in New Video Release

UAW Releases Video Endorsing Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor

NEW YORK—In a move to support Zohran Mamdani's candidacy for mayor of New York City, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has unveiled a new video narrated by President Shawn Fain. This endorsement comes ahead of Tuesday’s primary election, targeting the 40,000 UAW members residing in the city. The video criticizes former governor Andrew Cuomo, labeling him “another hack politician.”

UAW President Shawn Fain emphasizes in the video, “We don’t need another hack politician like Cuomo—someone who smiles for the cameras and then sells us out behind closed doors. What we need is a national movement that unites the working class to take on the oligarchs and rebuild our democracy. And that is exactly the kind of movement that Zohran Mamdani is leading.”

The media can access the video here.

The endorsement by UAW Region 9A in December 2024 marked the union as the first to back Mamdani. His campaign resonates with many New Yorkers due to its focus on critical issues such as affordable housing, rent control, and universal childcare, aligning with UAW objectives to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures facing working-class residents.

On May 30, UAW Region 9A encouraged its members in New York City to prioritize Mamdani in the election ranking process.

“Zohran isn’t owned by Wall Street,” states Fain in the video. “He’s a fighter for free transit, housing for all, universal childcare, and a $30 an hour minimum wage. He believes in democracy—not just in city elections, but on the job, in our apartment buildings, and in our neighborhoods.”

Read the full transcript of the UAW’s video here.

The video highlights the UAW's experiences with major employers in New York City, such as Mercedes Benz and universities, emphasizing their challenging tactics and the union’s resolve against such corporate behavior. Fain criticizes Cuomo’s tenure as governor, highlighting issues such as Medicaid cuts and lack of support for striking workers.

Fain describes a collective rise of the working class, advocating for higher wages, universal healthcare, affordable housing, and retirement security. He underscores the idea that when the majority—represented by the working class—unites, significant change is possible.

The UAW’s backing of Mamdani represents a broader effort to reclaim power from influential entities and address longstanding grievances. It’s a campaign for change, aiming to create a city that benefits the wider populace rather than a select few.