Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is expected to endorse Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for New York mayor, multiple sources said, a move that would signal growing Democratic establishment support for the progressive candidate following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent endorsement.
A person close to both Heastie’s and Mamdani’s camps said Tuesday that the speaker’s endorsement is “imminent.” Another source familiar with the matter confirmed that Heastie, one of the most powerful Democrats in the state legislature, was preparing to publicly back Mamdani.
Hochul announced her support for Mamdani on Sunday evening, a development that surprised many in Albany and in city political circles. Heastie’s forthcoming endorsement would follow that high-profile signal of establishment alignment and represents one of the more consequential endorsements the mayoral field has seen to date.
Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman who has been described as a socialist and a left-leaning Democrat, has emerged as a leading figure in a crowded mayoral contest that includes former Mayor Eric Adams, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and conservative radio host Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani’s campaign has attracted attention for its progressive platform and for consolidating unexpected support from elements of the Democratic establishment.
Political operatives said endorsements from senior state and local officials can influence fundraising, volunteer recruitment and voter perceptions, particularly in a fast-moving municipal contest. Heastie, who represents a Bronx Assembly district and serves as speaker of the state Assembly, is regarded as a key power broker whose backing carries weight with unions and elected officials across New York.
Campaign officials for Mamdani did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Representatives for Heastie also did not offer an on-the-record comment in advance of an announcement. Hochul’s public statement of support came as the mayoral primary race intensified, prompting rapid recalibrations among candidates and backers.
Mamdani’s rise has reshaped the dynamics of the Democratic primary, drawing both grassroots enthusiasm and institutional attention. Adams, Cuomo and Sliwa remain in the race and are expected to continue campaigning and seeking endorsements of their own as the contest progresses toward the primary date.
Observers noted that endorsements can have different effects depending on timing and the political context; some can accelerate momentum for a candidate, while others have limited impact if voters have already formed firm preferences. Heastie’s anticipated endorsement will be closely watched for its potential to further consolidate establishment support behind Mamdani and to influence the calculations of unions, elected officials and community leaders in the weeks ahead.
This is a developing story. Updates to endorsements and campaign responses are expected as parties issue formal statements and as candidates adjust their strategies ahead of primary voting.