In the recent Democratic race for mayor, the most significant loss seems to have been for New York’s already weakened labor movement rather than for Andrew Cuomo.
Even seasoned political strategists have been somewhat taken aback, recognizing Cuomo’s once-powerful labor support as more of a “paper tiger”—impressive on the surface but lacking real bite.
“Clearly, alignment with some of Cuomo’s major unions, which he showcased during debates, didn’t provide much benefit for the former governor,” someone observed, referring to the unions too.
“Additionally, there are indications that union membership is mobilizing but seems less politically active compared to previous years,” noted Freeman, pointing to how the impressive ground operation of the Democratic Socialists of America has begun overshadowing traditional unions.
Mamdani and a massive team of dedicated volunteers—many from the DSA—managed to outdo the networks of unions that once guaranteed Cuomo votes.
Interestingly, it turns out Mamdani didn’t rely on union backing much at all. Results indicate many rank-and-file members opted for Mamdani over their leadership, supporting the two-term Queens Assemblyman instead.
Freeman also mentioned how the city’s matching fund for small donations—an 8-1 match—means candidates don’t really have to depend on union funds. Others pointed to significant sums from “independent” super PACs that further reduced the unions’ influence.
“The unions are like a paper tiger,” remarked a fellow veteran. “Their voting operations are on the decline. They’re living off past achievements.”
Cuomo was viewed as a pillar of strong labor support, backed by various unions like Local 1199, which represents healthcare workers, and the building workers’ Local 32 BJ, among others.
However, John Molenkoff, a political science professor, said, “While Big Labor did back Cuomo, their enthusiasm seemed to pale in comparison to what Mamdani’s supporters rallied.” He added that it appeared the union didn’t have a strong enough effort in their canvassing and get-out-the-vote initiatives.
On the flip side, the membership of Big Labor is dwindling. Statistics show only around 20% of all wage workers in New York City were union members in 2024.
Another significant hurdle for get-out-the-vote efforts is that many union members don’t actually live in the city anymore. This trend, especially apparent in construction and other industries, complicates mobilization.
“With fewer members, many of whom reside outside the city, their capacity to organize large voting blocs has greatly diminished, and there’s no indication this is changing,” said an insider.
Former Governor David Paterson, a Cuomo supporter, remarked, “There wasn’t much visible campaigning on the streets.”
It wasn’t just Cuomo who faced repercussions from the decline of union influence. District Council 37, representing many city workers, endorsed Mamdani but had previously backed chair Adrian Adams for mayor.
The Teachers Union, with a split membership, also played a role in the race.
Transport Workers Union Chairman John Samuelsen participated in promoting Mamdani’s Free Bus Fare Plan before it was officially announced but noted that several union leaders had assumed Cuomo would prevail, siding with the establishment.
“The Democratic infrastructure has crumbled,” Samuelsen stated.
Now, unions that initially supported Cuomo or withheld approval are shifting their support towards Mamdani, while some consider backing incumbent mayor Eric Adams, who’s running for reelection as an independent.
Notably, several unions, like Local 32 BJ and the state nurses’ association, have already rallied behind Mamdani.
Some sources from unions that once supported Cuomo have pushed back against criticism of their efforts, saying candidates need to be active themselves.
“You really need a strong leader to drive the campaign,” explained a pro-Cuomo insider. “You can’t expect to win with complacency.”
Austin Shafran, a spokesperson for HTC and 32 BJ, emphasized that while the union supports candidates, they aren’t in the business of running campaigns directly.
“The most effective unions provide essential support that can help propel campaigns. However, the core infrastructure must be the campaign’s own,” he clarified, acknowledging that the union’s efforts did help draw votes for Cuomo in areas like the Bronx and Southeast Queens.
