Mamdani’s Tour in Queens Draws Support from Richards

Zohran Mamdani wrapped up his “Five Boroughs Against Trump” tour on Friday, receiving enthusiastic backing from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Richards, a Democrat with over 13 years of experience in the borough, encouraged supporters to rally around the 33-year-old mayoral hopeful.

“Zoran brings a sense of hope. Initially, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, but it reminded me of Barack Obama back in 2008. He inspired me then. That same feeling of hope is what I’m seeing now,” Richards expressed.

He highlighted the necessity for Democrats to unite at this pivotal moment, insisting, “We have always been a big tent party.”

Richards’ remarks likening Mamdani to Obama come shortly after an article in the New York Times mentioned their phone conversation following Mamdani’s major win over former governor Andrew Cuomo in June.

Richards is the third borough president to endorse the Democratic candidate, joining Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in their support for Mamdani.

In addition, prominent figures such as Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffries have voiced their backing.

“This isn’t about socialism or the establishment. It’s about ensuring that workers and those struggling to get by in this city can thrive,” Richards stated.

Mamdani, a resident of Astoria, chose his home borough as the concluding stop of his tour.

At the event, he was joined by members of 32BJ Seiu, a significant union representing over 80,000 real estate services workers in New York City.

During his speech, Mamdani addressed issues such as immigration, small businesses, and living costs, focusing more on his campaign priorities rather than critiquing Trump directly.

“Nobody is safe from the kind of cruelty that has come to define much of the Trump administration,” he remarked.