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1199SEIU Endorses Zohran Mamdani for New York City Mayor

A leadership overhaul opened the path for the nation's largest health care workforce to embrace Mamdani's bid to lower housing costs.

A file photo of 1199 members picketing.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 15:  Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, speaks at an endorsement event from the union DC 37 on July 15, 2025, in New York City. Weeks after Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor, various wealthy interest groups have begun to mobilize against the 33-year-old state assemblyman. Mamdani has vowed to freeze rent hikes for a year, make buses free, and increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that he will continue his run for New York City mayor after losing to Zohran Mamdani in last month's Democratic primary.  (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Overview

  • 1199SEIU, representing about 200,000 New York City health care workers, formally endorsed Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
  • The union’s executive council voted to back Mamdani after ousting longtime president George Gresham in favor of Yvonne Armstrong in May.
  • Major labor groups including DC37, 32BJ SEIU, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and the United Federation of Teachers had already lined up behind Mamdani.
  • Union leaders cited his platform to curb housing costs and reinforce city healthcare as key reasons for shifting support from former governor Andrew Cuomo.
  • Andrew Cuomo has relaunched his mayoral bid as an independent candidate after losing Democratic endorsements.