NY-13: Mamdani Vowed to Back Espaillat. Now He May Endorse a D.S.A. Challenger.

[RandySF]

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is strongly weighing whether to endorse Ms. Avila Chevalier, according to four people familiar with the matter who were granted anonymity to share private discussions.

Mr. Mamdani had committed to supporting Mr. Espaillat last year, according to three other people familiar with the pledge. It came after the congressman dropped his support for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral bid, and got behind Mr. Mamdani after he won the Democratic primary.

But as the mayor has watched Ms. Avila Chevalier gaining momentum, he has reconsidered his decision.

An endorsement from Mr. Mamdani could further shake up the race by showering attention on a young upstart and activating a base of voters to head to the polls in what is likely to be a low-turnout election. Primary Day is June 23.




https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/28/nyregion/adriano-espaillat-darializa-avila-chevalier-mamdani.html