Mamdani transition Signals Potential Shift in Alliance with Brad Lander
NEW YORK, NY – As Zohran Mamdani prepares for a potential mayoral run, signals are emerging of a cooling relationship with a key ally, City Comptroller Brad Lander, raising questions about the future of a prominent progressive partnership. While both continue to publicly express support for one another, Mamdani’s recent moves – including a meeting with former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a focus on assembling a seasoned leadership team – suggest a potential strategic pivot as he eyes the general election.
Mamdani, who is willing to apologize for past criticism of the NYPD, met with bloomberg last week, a move notable given the billionaire’s past support for former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a political rival of Mamdani’s progressive wing. At a Vital City event last week, mamdani stated that forming a transition committee would be his “first order of business” should he win the general election, emphasizing a desire to build a team with “a track record of excellence” – individuals who will ”push you and be able to deliver on this agenda.”
This emphasis on experience comes as opponents,including Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams,have sought to portray Mamdani as a political novice unprepared for the pressures of the office. The selection of a First Deputy Mayor, considered crucial to a mayor’s success, is under intense scrutiny. According to former Deputy Mayor Joe Lhota, “One common denominator between all mayors and deputy mayors is a matter of trust. If there’s a deputy mayor that the mayor doesn’t trust, that deputy mayor has a very short lifespan.”
speculation has centered on whether Lander might join Mamdani’s administration, but some political observers believe lander’s political future may lie elsewhere. A Data for Progress poll released last week showed Lander leading incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman by 19 points in a potential primary challenge for the NY-10 congressional district, though Lander has not publicly expressed interest in the seat.
Despite the shifting dynamics, the two continue a public display of mutual support. both were featured guests at a fundraiser last Wednesday hosted by jews for Racial and Economic Justice. Quinn Parker, a supporter of both candidates, expressed enthusiasm for their cross-endorsement, stating it “showed me that we can do politics in a way that is fundamentally new and build coalitions rather than running against each other.” However, Parker also acknowledged the complexities, noting, “I personally would like to see [Lander join the administration], But there’s a lot at play.”
