Bombshell email shows top aide to AFT boss Randi Weingarten raising concerns about Mamdani’s lack of experience

A senior aide to the influential leader of the national teachers’ union, Randi Weingarten, has publicly asserted that Zohran Mamdani is not equipped with the necessary experience to govern New York City. This assertion draws a parallel with the unpopularity faced by progressive Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, as highlighted in a controversial email exchange.

Leo Casey, an aide to Weingarten at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), revealed his thoughts in a leaked email sent to a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) group back in May, as reported by school choice advocate Corey DeAngelis.

“A lot of our discussion here is on blocking [ex-Gov. Andrew] Cuomo and winning the election, which is important,” Casey stated in an email to a DSA list serve on May 20, just one month prior to Mamdani’s victory in the June 24 Democratic primary.

“However, the capacity to govern is also a crucial factor,” Casey continued. “Winning an election doesn’t necessarily equate to governing effectively.”

Casey also referenced the troubled administration of Johnson, a union-backed progressive whose approval rating reportedly sits at a staggering 80% disapproval from constituents.

“It’s vital to acknowledge what has transpired… It’s been a challenging situation,” he pointed out. “Due to Johnson’s alignment with us, the left has not openly discussed the missteps.”

“Yet, it’s clear there have been significant issues, and these cannot solely be blamed on our adversaries,” he added.

Despite remaining neutral during the Democratic primary in the city, the United Federation of Teachers—the largest local union within Weingarten’s AFT—subsequently endorsed Mamdani after he triumphed over Cuomo and City Comptroller Brad Lander among others to secure the Democratic nomination.

Casey, who has a longstanding career in the United Federation of Teachers, emphasized his preference for Lander, citing Mamdani’s minimal government experience. “Mamdani lacks experience in city governance,” Casey remarked. “Lander brings two terms from the city council and a stint as city comptroller.”

In response to DeAngelis, Casey acknowledged the legitimacy of his comments about Mamdani. “I was clarifying my primary voting choices and the reasons I placed Lander over Mamdani. I made it clear I would back Mamdani wholeheartedly if he won,” Casey said.

“This discussion has no ties to my union or Randi, both of whom stand with Mamdani.”

Casey and Weingarten’s relationship dates back to their teaching days at Brooklyn’s Clara Barton High School, according to a longtime union activist.

“Leo’s comments are self-explanatory,” Weingarten stated. “It’s disappointing that Corey would attempt to involve me in this matter. He’s fixated on criticizing unions and tarnishing my reputation. It’s clear where I stand on Mamdani—I support him,” she expressed.

Mamdani’s expressed priorities in education have resonated positively with the union, emphasizing his commitment to opposition against charter school expansions and the rollback of mayoral control over schools—both positions that align with the UFT’s agenda.

During his campaign, Mamdani took a firm stance against the expansion of charter schools, which had been a focus of criticism from Cuomo’s administration, who had championed such schools and sought to impose more rigorous accountability measures on teachers.