Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani announced Tuesday that he had received the endorsement of Crown Heights Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, who has connections with community activists and has visited 770 and the Rebbe’s library.

By Anash.org reporter

Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, announced Tuesday that he had received the endorsement of Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, who represents the 43rd District, including Crown Heights.

The post, published on Mamdani’s official X account, included a photo of the two together and quoted Cunningham saying, “Zohran and I came into the Assembly from different lanes, but as sons of immigrants, we’ve always shared a belief in building a New York that works for the people.”

Mamdani, who presents himself as “pro-Palestinian,” has openly supported speakers who use violent slogans such as “globalize the intifada,” and has refused to distance himself from antisemitic rhetoric. In 2021, he was one of several DSA-aligned officials who appeared at a rally where speakers praised violence against civilians and called for armed resistance.

He has also backed a platform that includes defunding the NYPD, establishing city-run grocery stores, freezing rents, and implementing sharp tax hikes, positions widely criticized by both Republicans and Democrats, including Mayor Eric Adams, who warned they would lead to job losses and the collapse of essential city services.

Brian Cunningham first won his seat in a 2021 special election with the strong backing of the Crown Heights Jewish community, after receiving support from Crown Heights United, a grassroots bloc that mobilized heavily on his behalf. He was re-elected in 2022 and again in 2024, publicly thanking Jewish supporters at his victory events.

“To all my brothers and sisters in the Crown Heights Jewish community, thank you,” he said in a video message following his first win. “I know that I would not be in this position if it wasn’t for you. I promise to continue fighting for public safety and yeshivas.”

Cunningham has also been among the elected officials supporting the campaign to co-name a portion of President Street as “Lubavitcher Rebbe Way,” calling the Rebbe “a guiding force in the Crown Heights community” and praising the educational institutions founded under his leadership.

He has met numerous times with community leaders, celebrating Chanuka, toured the iconic mitzvah tanks, held thoughtful discussions with Rabbi Simon Jacobson, appeared on a podcast with Yaacov Behrman, and paid visits to 770 and the Rebbe’s library. During a spike of rocket attacks in Israel last year, he made a solidarity visit to 770 and spoke reassuringly with bochurim and anash.

Whether Mamdani’s announcement represents an actual shift in Cunningham’s alliances, particularly regarding Jewish communal ties, support for yeshivas, and efforts to combat antisemitism, remains unclear. As of now, no statement or confirmation has appeared on Cunningham’s own social media platforms or website. But if confirmed, the endorsement would represent a sharp contrast with the values Cunningham has emphasized in past campaigns.