Mamdani Backs Lindsey Boylan in NYC Council Race

The mayor's endorsement puts him at odds with Council Speaker Julie Menin, who supports Boylan's main competitor Carl Wilson.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:04am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty New York City Council chamber podium, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows, conveying a sense of solemnity and political intrigue.The battle for a New York City Council seat highlights the political tensions and shifting power dynamics in the city.NYC Today

As Mayor Zohran Mamdani expands his political influence, he has endorsed Lindsey Boylan in the New York City Council race for District 3, covering Chelsea, Hudson Yards, and Hell's Kitchen. Boylan was the first to come forward in accusing former Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment. This endorsement puts Mamdani at odds with Council Speaker Julie Menin, who has backed Boylan's main competitor, Carl Wilson, in the heated race.

Why it matters

The dueling endorsements between Mamdani and Menin are the latest sign of opposition between the mayor and council speaker, who have found themselves at odds on a number of issues this year. The race for the vacant District 3 seat is also heating up, with Boylan and Wilson doing everything they can to turn out voters on issues like affordability and housing.

The details

Boylan and Wilson are among the candidates vying to fill the vacant District 3 seat, with both focusing on pocketbook issues that affect New Yorkers. Wilson, who previously worked for outgoing Council Member Erik Bottcher, has also secured the support of Speaker Menin. Mamdani, however, has thrown his weight behind Boylan, saying she is 'who we need in public life' and that he is 'incredibly excited' to support her. Boylan has firmly supported the mayor and is widely known for her sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo, Mamdani's top rival in the 2025 campaign.

  • Early voting is currently underway to fill the vacant District 3 seat.
  • Cuomo resigned from office in 2021 following Boylan's sexual harassment allegations.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who has endorsed Lindsey Boylan in the District 3 City Council race.

Lindsey Boylan

A candidate in the District 3 City Council race, who was the first to come forward in accusing former Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment.

Julie Menin

The current New York City Council Speaker who has endorsed Boylan's main competitor, Carl Wilson, in the District 3 race.

Carl Wilson

A candidate in the District 3 City Council race who has secured the endorsement of Council Speaker Julie Menin.

Andrew Cuomo

The former Governor of New York who was accused of sexual harassment by Lindsey Boylan, and is a top rival of Mayor Mamdani.

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What they’re saying

“'Lindsey (is) who we need in public life. I'm incredibly excited to support her.'”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“'At City Hall, I want to be a fighter, combat this affordability and housing crisis that's pushing our communities and city to the brink and pushing out folks that have built those communities.'”

— Carl Wilson, Candidate for NYC Council District 3

“'People are really crunched financially. So, talking about housing on the first front, we need to get a whole new generation of social housing, workforce housing.'”

— Lindsey Boylan, Candidate for NYC Council District 3

What’s next

As early voting continues, the race for the vacant District 3 seat remains highly competitive, with Boylan and Wilson both working to turn out as many voters as possible on key issues like affordability and housing.

The takeaway

The endorsement battle between Mayor Mamdani and Council Speaker Menin highlights the ongoing political tensions in New York City, as the mayor seeks to expand his influence by backing a candidate who has been outspoken against his former rival, former Governor Cuomo. The District 3 race will be an important test of Mamdani's political clout and the ability of candidates like Boylan and Wilson to mobilize voters on local issues.