NYC teachers union UFT endorses socialist Zohran Mamdani for mayor

The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) recently announced their endorsement of Democrat nominee Zohran Mamdani in his bid for New York City mayor. The 200,000-member union representing New York City’s teachers and education professionals voted to support Mamdani, citing his commitment to addressing the city’s wealth disparity and advocating for students.

In response to the endorsement, Mamdani emphasized the importance of protecting the city’s education system from attacks, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s executive order to scale down the Department of Education. Mamdani’s focus on education and social justice issues aligns with the UFT’s priorities and values, making him the ideal candidate in their eyes.

However, not everyone was pleased with the union’s decision. Critics, including Republican New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov and author David E. Bernstein, questioned the UFT’s agenda and its impact on improving education outcomes for students. Additionally, some Jewish educators expressed disappointment with the endorsement, suggesting that Mamdani’s promises may not align with their community’s needs.

Despite the mixed reactions, Mamdani’s campaign continues to gain momentum with endorsements from various unions across the city, including the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, SEIU 32BJ, and the New York State Nurses Association. These endorsements highlight Mamdani’s broad support base and his commitment to advocating for working-class New Yorkers.

In the midst of the endorsement controversy, Mamdani faced scrutiny over his personal education record, including his SAT scores when applying to Columbia University. While his scores were below the university’s median, Mamdani remains focused on his campaign promises to improve affordability, expand childcare, and enhance public transportation in the city.

As the mayoral race heats up, Mamdani remains steadfast in his commitment to addressing the city’s pressing issues and serving the needs of all New Yorkers. His platform of social justice and equity continues to resonate with voters, setting the stage for a competitive and dynamic election in November.

Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.