NYC Mayor Mamdani Endorses Cuomo Accuser Boylan for City Council

Endorsement seen as part of Mamdani's effort to build City Council support and influence Democratic races.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, overlapping geometric painting of a podium or lectern in shades of blue, grey, and purple, conceptually representing the divisive nature of New York City politics.Mamdani's endorsement of Boylan, a vocal Cuomo critic, signals the mayor's efforts to reshape the political landscape in New York City.NYC Today

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to publicly accuse former Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment, in a City Council race on Friday. Mamdani said Boylan 'represents the kind of fearless leadership this moment demands' and that her 'courage matters' as he seeks to build support in the City Council and advance his 'affordability agenda'.

Why it matters

Mamdani's endorsement of Boylan, who has had unsuccessful runs for Congress and Manhattan borough president, is seen as part of his broader effort to wield political influence and build a progressive coalition on the City Council. This comes as Mamdani has already backed other progressive candidates in recent Democratic contests, putting him at odds with more moderate Democrats like Gov. Kathy Hochul and Council Speaker Julie Menin.

The details

Boylan accused Cuomo of sexually harassing her when she was an economic development adviser in his administration, saying he subjected her to an unwanted kiss and inappropriate comments. Cuomo has denied the allegations, but a report by the state attorney general concluded that he had sexually harassed 11 women, including Boylan, leading to his resignation in 2021. Mamdani, who defeated Cuomo in last year's mayoral race, is now using his political clout to support Boylan's City Council campaign as part of a broader strategy to shape the city's political landscape.

  • 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 defeated Andrew Cuomo in last year's mayoral race and is now using his political influence to support progressive candidates in local Democratic contests.

Lindsey Boylan

The first woman to publicly accuse former Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment, who is now running for a seat on the New York City Council.

Andrew Cuomo

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

Kathy Hochul

The current governor of New York, who is seen as a moderate Democrat and has supported candidates opposed by Mamdani.

Julie Menin

The current speaker of the New York City Council, who has endorsed a different candidate in the race that Mamdani has endorsed Boylan for.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, and the outcome will be closely watched as a test of Mamdani's political influence and the broader progressive shift in New York City politics.

The takeaway

Mamdani's endorsement of Boylan, a vocal critic of former Governor Cuomo, is the latest example of the mayor leveraging his political capital to support progressive candidates and challenge more moderate Democratic forces in the city. This move is part of Mamdani's broader strategy to build a coalition of allies on the City Council to advance his policy agenda.