June 1, 2025 New York City, NY – The political landscape of New York City’s mayoral primary just got a jolt. The Working Families Party (WFP), a formidable progressive force, has officially endorsed Zohran Mamdani as its top choice, signaling a potential turning point for left-leaning voters and a direct challenge to former Governor Andrew Cuomo. This strategic endorsement aims to consolidate progressive power and, crucially, to keep Cuomo from reclaiming Gracie Mansion.

WFP's Ranked-Choice Strategy: A United Front Against Cuomo

In a move designed to maximize impact in the city’s ranked-choice voting system, the WFP didn't stop at just one endorsement. To actively discourage voters from ranking Cuomo anywhere on their ballots, the party also endorsed four other progressive candidates for the subsequent slots. Their full ranked-choice slate is:

1. Zohran Mamdani
2. Brad Lander (City Comptroller)
3. Adrienne Adams (City Council Speaker)
4. Zellnor Myrie (State Senator)
5. Jessica Ramos (State Senator)

The Polls: A Snapshot of the Race

An recent Emerson poll reveals a dynamic race:

• Andrew Cuomo: 35%
• Zohran Mamdani: 23%
• Brad Lander: 11%

While the poll currently shows Cuomo defeating Mamdani 54% to 46% after 10 rounds of ranked-choice tabulation, the WFP’s endorsement could significantly alter this trajectory. A strong push from the party could encourage more voters to rank Mamdani as their first choice, shifting the ultimate outcome.

Beyond the Primary: General Election Implications

The WFP’s endorsement carries weight beyond the primary. The party has made it clear that if Andrew Cuomo secures the Democratic nomination, they are prepared to run a candidate on their own ballot line in the general election, ensuring a progressive voice remains on the ballot.

The Progressive Tug-of-War: Mamdani vs. Lander

The WFP’s decision comes after a period of internal deliberation among progressives regarding their top pick. Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has garnered significant grassroots support and fundraising success by championing bold, leftist proposals such as:

• Free public transportation
• City-run grocery stores
• A freeze on rent for stabilized tenants

New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani responds to a question during the New York City Mayoral Candidates Forum at Medgar Evers College, April 23, 2025, in New York. (AP/Frank Franklin II)

Conversely, Brad Lander has long-standing ties to the WFP and is viewed by some as the more pragmatic choice. However, Lander’s recent shift on policing, including support for hiring 3,000 more police officers and a belief that "defund the police" was a "failed political strategy," has caused some friction among the left. Mamdani, in contrast, advocates for a $1 billion investment in non-NYPD staff to address homelessness and mental health, rather than increasing police presence.

Mamdani’s Grassroots Power: A Demonstrated Impact

Mamdani's influence is already evident. Public records show that Council Speaker Adrienne Adams experienced her best fundraising day shortly after Mamdani urged his supporters to donate to her campaign, a clear signal of his ability to mobilize support and unite efforts against Cuomo.

What's Next? All Eyes on AOC

Previously, in March, the WFP endorsed four candidates without ranking them, with the explicit goal of preventing voters from ranking Cuomo at all. Now, with a clear top choice, the progressive movement awaits another key endorsement: that of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her decision could further galvanize progressive voters and significantly impact the outcome of this closely watched mayoral primary.