NYC Mayor Mamdani Backs Candidate Who Accused Cuomo of Harassment

Endorsement of Lindsey Boylan seen as Mamdani's latest move to shift NYC politics leftward

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:18am

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A moody, realistic painting of a lone campaign sign or poster in an urban alleyway, the warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood that reflects the political shifts underway in the city.As Mayor Mamdani seeks to reshape New York City politics, his endorsement of a candidate who challenged the political establishment signals a new era of progressive leadership.NYC Today

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has endorsed Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to publicly accuse former Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment, in a City Council race. Mamdani's endorsement is seen as his latest attempt to wield his political influence and push a progressive agenda in local Democratic contests.

Why it matters

Mamdani's endorsement of Boylan, who has had previous unsuccessful runs for higher office, is viewed as part of his broader effort to build a progressive coalition in the City Council as he works to advance his affordability agenda for the city. The endorsement also puts Mamdani at odds with Council Speaker Julie Menin, who has backed a different candidate in the same race.

The details

Mamdani praised Boylan as representing 'the kind of fearless leadership this moment demands,' citing her 'willingness to tell hard truths, to challenge entrenched power, and to stand up for working people.' Boylan, who accused Cuomo of sexual harassment in 2020, said she was 'honored' to receive Mamdani's endorsement after supporting his mayoral campaign. Cuomo's spokesperson dismissed Boylan as a 'perennial candidate' and criticized Mamdani's endorsement as telling 'everything you need to know about him and his new era'.

  • Mamdani endorsed Boylan on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Boylan's City Council special election is on April 28, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who has emerged as a national progressive star and is seeking to shift the city's politics leftward.

Lindsey Boylan

A City Council candidate who was the first woman to publicly accuse former Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment.

Andrew Cuomo

The former governor of New York who resigned in 2021 after a state attorney general report concluded he had sexually harassed 11 women, including Boylan.

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What they’re saying

“She has shown a willingness to tell hard truths, to challenge entrenched power, and to stand up for working people even when it isn't easy. That courage matters.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“I was proud to support the Mayor in his campaign to bring affordability and change to New York City.”

— Lindsey Boylan, City Council Candidate

“Mamdani endorsing her tells you everything you need to know about him and his new era.”

— Rich Azzopardi, Spokesperson for Andrew Cuomo

What’s next

Boylan's City Council special election is scheduled for April 28, 2026.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's endorsement of Lindsey Boylan, who accused former Governor Cuomo of sexual harassment, is seen as part of his broader effort to build a progressive coalition in the City Council and advance his affordability agenda for New York City.