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DSA vs America First Status: Attributed to the New York Times via Quartz; AOC has not announced a 2028 campaign; Mamdani is not reported to be a candidate

Mamdani Courts Union Leaders for a Left-Wing 2028 Presidential Candidate

By AFNS Research Desk · · 1 min read

The east front of Gracie Mansion, the New York City mayor's official residence (file image)
Photo: Jim.henderson / Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Status: This account is attributed to the New York Times as summarized by Quartz on Nov. 10. AFNS did not independently open the Times article. Ocasio-Cortez has not announced a 2028 campaign. The reporting does not say Mamdani is running for president.

Quartz, summarizing the New York Times, reports that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has held meetings with union leaders to build early support for a left-wing 2028 presidential candidate. Mamdani's aides, the Times reported according to Quartz, said the goal is to identify the best progressive candidate and unite the left behind that person, in order to counter momentum for a more moderate Democrat.

Mamdani met for 45 minutes with Jimmy Williams Jr., head of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, at Gracie Mansion, Quartz reported, citing the Times. Nelson, who leads the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, was another meeting on his schedule. A meeting at Gracie Mansion with Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, is set for Nov. 11.

Mamdani spoke of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with praise but is preparing an early alternative in case she decides against running, the Times reported, according to Quartz. Ocasio-Cortez has not announced plans to run in 2028.

The reporting describes Mamdani as trying to shape the left's 2028 choice. It does not describe him as a presidential candidate.

Background on related 2028 organizing: Raman Widens Lead in Uncalled LA Mayor Race as NYC-DSA Weighs Urging AOC for 2028.

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  1. Quartz, summarizing the New York Times qz.com

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