Though Rep. Nydia Velázquez is preparing to retire, she is not stepping away quietly.
On Thursday, Velázquez, often referred to as “La Luchadora,” endorsed Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the race to take her place in Congress. This marks the third political clash this week involving Mayor Mamdani.
In her endorsement, Velázquez praised Reynoso, describing him as the leader needed for today’s challenges: “courageous, progressive, and rooted in real-life experiences.” She urged New Yorkers to rally behind him, emphasizing that her legacy of justice, dignity, and opportunity would be well-preserved under Reynoso’s leadership.
Velázquez highlighted Reynoso’s roots in South Williamsburg and expressed confidence in his ability to boldly oppose President Trump and represent immigrants and Puerto Ricans in New York’s predominantly Latino 7th district.
This endorsement marks the third instance this week where Velázquez has found herself at odds with Mayor Mamdani, whom she supported early in his political career, and the Democratic Socialists of America, a group gaining political traction alongside Mamdani’s rise.
Mayor Mamdani has been active in trying to influence both local and congressional elections during the initial phase of his administration.
This is the third time this week Velázquez has placed herself at odds with both Mayor Mamdani, of whom she was a relatively early supporter, and the Democratic Socialists of America, whose influence in New York politics has grown with Mamdani’s ascent.
The mayor has tried his hand at playing kingmaker both in local and congressional races in the early days of his term.
Velázquez previously endorsed Brian Romero in a western Queens assembly race where the DSA has endorsed another contender, Aber Kawas. Mamdani is expected to also back Kawas.
Velázquez has also announced her support for Rana Abdelhamid, a candidate in a special election to replace Mamdani in the state assembly. Mamdani and the DSA have endorsed former Queens DSA co-chair Diana Moreno.
In an interview with the New York Times, Velázquez laced into Mamdani’s involvement in other races.
“Honeymoons are short, and people need to pay attention to the work at hand,” she told the Times when asked if she had advice for Mamdani. She also warned that the mayor’s involvement in primary races “opens up fights” among groups he needs to govern.
Asked about these comments at an unrelated press conference in Harlem on Thursday, Mamdani said he had “nothing but respect and admiration” for Velázquez.
“I will always continue to appreciate the relationship that we have and the shared vision in making this a city that we not only live in, but are also proud of,” Mamdani said.
The mayor has now put his fingerprints on three congressional races in total, backing former comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander in his challenge to Rep. Dan Goldman and dissuading Councilmember Chi Osse from primarying House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
