Mamdani Meets Labor Leaders on 2028 Democratic Race

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has acknowledged meeting labor leaders as he seeks to keep working people’s concerns central to politics through 2028, while privately discussing how progressives might respond if a moderate candidate gains ground in the next Democratic presidential race, according to reporting based on an account to Axios.

Mamdani addressed the meetings at a Manhattan press conference, saying he had sought them out and continues to meet with labor leaders because of their role in representing working people. He did not disclose much about the conversations or identify a preferred nominee.

The reported strategy is to encourage progressive activists to organize if a moderate candidate emerges as a leading contender for the 2028 Democratic nomination. That account was attributed to a person who spoke directly with Mamdani. The reports repeating it trace back to the same account, rather than independent confirmation of the private discussions.

In October, Mamdani hosted Jimmy Williams Jr., president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, at Gracie Mansion to discuss the 2028 race, according to the reporting. Mamdani reportedly asked what it would...