NYC Horse Carriage Union Launches Attack Ad Against Council Speaker

The union representing New York City's horse carriage drivers has released a new attack advertisement targeting City Council Speaker Julie Menin. The advertisement calls Menin a "traitor" for her recent support of legislation that would ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park.

The 30-second spot, paid for by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), suggests Menin is jeopardizing approximately 200 industry jobs and contrasts the drivers' livelihoods with what it portrays as Menin's affluent lifestyle. The ad features imagery of champagne and polo matches, then shifts to a depiction of a family facing financial hardship.

TWU president John Samuelsen stated that the advertisement is appearing on television news programming and digital streaming services. He indicated that the fight to preserve the horse carriage industry is ongoing, noting that the sector has faced scrutiny following recent incidents.

Menin's support for the ban gained momentum after a tourist died last month when he was thrown from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park. The family of the 18-year-old victim, Romanch Mahajan, has publicly stated their support for banning the industry. Samuelsen accused Menin of leveraging the tragedy for political gain and argued that the proposed legislation lacks adequate job protections for drivers.

City Council Speaker Menin responded to the advertisement, denouncing the TWU's campaign as "false personal attacks." She stated that any transition away from horse-drawn carriages must include a plan for sustainable and comparable jobs for affected workers, and that the council is committed to collaborating with workers on such a plan.

Animal rights group NYCLASS also commented on the situation, criticizing the TWU's efforts to maintain the horse carriage industry. The group stated that carriage drivers lack union protections, benefits, or bargaining rights. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has previously expressed support for banning horse-drawn carriages in Central Park and working towards a "just transition" for those employed in the industry.