NYC-CC03: Nydia Velzquez endorses Carl Wilson in Manhattan's special election, widening break with Mamdani

Retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez is backing Carl Wilson in the race to replace Erik Bottcher on the City Council, amNewYork has learned — deepening her rift with Mayor Zohran Mamdani as the two powerful progressives continue to line up behind rival candidates in a growing series of proxy fights across the city.

Velázquez’s endorsement gives Wilson another prominent boost in the closely watched special election for Manhattan’s District 3, a West Side seat that includes Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen and the West Village.

The race has drawn heightened attention since Mamdani endorsed Lindsey Boylan on Friday, setting up a contest between the mayor’s progressive coalition and a more traditional network of Manhattan elected officials and local power brokers backing Wilson.

“I know a true grassroots candidate when I see one, and Carl Wilson is exactly that kind of leader. Carl has spent years on the ground doing the work, building trust block by block, and earning the broad local support that only comes from showing up for your community again and again,” Velázquez said in a statement.



https://www.amny.com/politics/velazquez-endorses-carl-wilson-council/