Ex-Cop Turned Assembly Candidate Shifts Left to Align with NYC Mayor

Shamsul Haque, who once derided socialist politicians, is now cozying up to Democratic Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani in his bid for a state assembly seat.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting of a solitary political figure standing alone in a dimly lit urban setting, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.As political allegiances shift in New York City, a lone figure stands in the shadows, reflecting the fluidity of electoral politics.NYC Today

Shamsul Haque, a former NYPD lieutenant who previously supported Republicans and criticized left-wing politicians, has dramatically shifted his political stance as he runs for a state assembly seat in New York. Haque and his group 'Rise Up New York City' have now embraced Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, despite their past attacks on such 'woke' politicians. This about-face comes as Haque seeks to win the 30th Assembly District seat, which opened up after the incumbent, Steve Raga, announced a bid for state senate.

Why it matters

Haque's political pivot highlights the fluid nature of electoral politics, where candidates may adjust their positions to appeal to different voter bases. This story also sheds light on the ongoing tensions between moderate and progressive factions within the Democratic Party in New York, as well as the challenges faced by independent political groups in navigating the shifting political landscape.

The details

Haque, who previously supported Republican candidates and criticized left-wing politicians like those in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and Working Families Party, is now praising Mayor Mamdani and aligning himself with the mayor's progressive agenda. This shift includes hiring Mamdani's election lawyer and associate, Ali Najmi, as well as expressing support for the DSA's policies of taxing the rich and helping the working class. Haque's group, 'Rise Up New York City,' which had previously attacked such 'woke' politicians, is now singing the praises of Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists.

  • In February 2022, Haque's 'Rise Up' group posted that they would vote Republican in the November 2022 elections.
  • In 2023, 'Rise Up' criticized the Working Families Party for demanding a rent freeze, claiming the party had 'caused pain and suffering to working-class New Yorkers'.
  • Earlier this year, Haque announced his candidacy for the 30th Assembly District seat, which opened up after the incumbent, Steve Raga, announced a bid for state senate.
  • Haque's opponent in the race is Patrick Martinez, who is backed by Queens Democrats.

The players

Shamsul Haque

A former NYPD lieutenant who is now running for the 30th Assembly District seat in New York. Haque previously supported Republican candidates and criticized left-wing politicians, but has now shifted his stance to align with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists.

Zohran Mamdani

The Democratic Socialist mayor of New York City, who Haque is now praising and aligning himself with as he runs for the state assembly.

Rise Up New York City

A political group founded by Shamsul Haque that previously attacked left-wing politicians but has now pivoted to supporting Mayor Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists.

Patrick Martinez

Haque's opponent in the race for the 30th Assembly District seat, who is backed by Queens Democrats.

Steve Raga

The incumbent in the 30th Assembly District, who is now running for a state senate seat, opening up the assembly seat that Haque and others are seeking.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'DSA is unequivocally in favor of taxing the rich, and I am in the same boat.'”

— Shamsul Haque, Assembly Candidate

“'They want to help the working-class people, and I'm in the same boat because I, too, come from the working class.'”

— Shamsul Haque, Assembly Candidate

What’s next

The race for the 30th Assembly District seat is expected to be closely watched, as Haque's political pivot and the involvement of Queens Democrats in backing his opponent, Patrick Martinez, could make for a competitive and potentially divisive primary.

The takeaway

Haque's dramatic shift in political alignment, from a Republican-leaning critic of left-wing politicians to a supporter of the Democratic Socialist mayor, highlights the fluid nature of electoral politics and the challenges faced by candidates in appealing to diverse voter bases. This story underscores the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party in New York and the importance of understanding the motivations behind political realignments.