When his supporters need him, he is Mum-dani.
Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has been avoiding taking a definitive stance on upcoming ballot initiatives that will go before the public in November, leaving some potential City Council allies frustrated with his evasive language.
As discussions heat up regarding Measures 2, 3, and 4 on this year’s ballots — which would grant the mayor more authority over housing and zoning — Mamdani’s reluctance to engage on the matter was evident in his latest comments during a press briefing on Wednesday.
“I’m continuing to have those conversations,” Mamdani expressed when asked about his stance during an unrelated press conference.
“I appreciate that it’s on the ballot and gives New Yorkers a chance to weigh in,” he added.
The contentious ballot measures have caused friction between legislators and outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, who suspended his re-election campaign last month. Should the measures pass, Mamdani would gain from an expanded mayoral influence.
Several council members, including those who have endorsed him, feel blindsided and believe he is prioritizing input from outgoing City Comptroller Brad Lander over engaging with the elected officials he will need to partner with if he wins in November, according to insiders.
“I have heard from progressive and DSA-affiliated Council Members who are quite displeased,” a source noted. “They believe Brad should align himself with them and major labor unions rather than with the Real Estate Board of New York and other housing advocates perceived as anti-union.”
Lander, who previously competed against Mamdani in a ranked-choice primary, has since become an ally, joining forces to gain mutual support for the ballot issues. He has been advising Mamdani since his primary victory in June.
Notably, Lander has been a vocal supporter of these measures, even appearing in a public service announcement urging New Yorkers to endorse them.
“Why does he think Brad knows best? This seems to be a pattern,” remarked one source.
A veteran political insider shared with The Post that the escalating disconnect between council members and the leading mayoral candidate bodes poorly for a potential Mamdani administration.
“The partnership hasn’t even formally begun, and the honeymoon phase seems to be over already,” the insider warned.
The Mamdani campaign did not respond to a request for comments.
