New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has twice declined to directly address allegations against Gustavo Gordillo, the co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), who is facing scrutiny over his housing situation and employment history.
Gordillo is named in a pending Brooklyn Housing Court case where a former landlord alleges he failed to pay $5,000 in rent for a $2,500-a-month apartment. This comes as Gordillo's family reportedly spent $1.4 million renovating a townhouse where he resides. Critics argue this situation conflicts with the rent-abolitionist agenda championed by the DSA.
Mamdani stated Sunday that individuals working towards a "more affordable life" and a "fairer life" for New Yorkers "should be welcomed into this work." When pressed on Monday about whether Gordillo should step down or if he condemned allegations of Gordillo lying about his employment, the mayor responded by welcoming anyone committed to making New York a city where "everyone can belong to."
Gordillo, an Ivy League graduate, met weekly with Mamdani and his campaign manager during the mayoral campaign, and later served on Mamdani's Economic Development & Workforce Development transition committee. His family reportedly purchased the Bed-Stuy townhouse in 2019 for $935,000, with his father stating it is intended for Gordillo and his brother.
Further questions have been raised about Gordillo's credentials as a union electrician and advocate for working people. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers informed The New York Post that Gordillo's electrician apprenticeship was terminated in March due to a "prolonged absence from and failure to participate in required work and classes." The outlet also reported that Gordillo later secured a $95,000 annual salary from NYC-DSA without disclosing the termination. The renovation of his family's townhouse reportedly involved nonunion contractors and received a city stop-work order for permit issues.
Neither Mamdani's office, the NYC-DSA, nor Gordillo responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. The housing case remains pending.