New York City progressives were dealt a blow on Wednesday, just weeks after Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s landmark victory, as a more moderate Democrat announced she has enough support to become the next City Council speaker.
Newsweek reached out to Mamdani’s team for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Mamdani’s victory was a major win for progressives. Earlier in November, he defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa to become the leader of the nation’s largest city. But his ability to push his agenda through hinges on a cooperative city council. More moderate Democrats and Republicans on the council could block his policies, including free bus services and city-run grocery stores.
What To Know
Council Member Julie Menin, a Democrat who represents the Upper East Side, announced that she has garnered enough support to become its next speaker. If this holds, she would defeat Council Member Crystal Hudson, a progressive seen as more in line with Mamdani.
Menin said she would have support from at least 36 current and incoming members of the New York City Council across all five boroughs. Her coalition includes many Democrats, as well as a handful of Republicans who serve on the committee.
Council Member Joann Ariola is among the Republicans supporting Menin.
“She has spent her entire career delivering for the people of New York. She’s been a business owner, a nonprofit leader, a commissioner, and a Council Member, and at every step she’s shown that she can cut through the red tape of city bureaucracy and produce real results. Her depth of experience and her proven record of leadership make her exactly the Speaker the Council needs right now,” Ariola wrote on X.
The New York Times reported that some members viewed Menin as a “check” on Mamdani, who will take office in January 2026. She told the Times she believes she plans to have a “close and collaborative relationship with the administration.”
While she is viewed as a potential foil to Mamdani, Menin did congratulate him on his victory earlier in November. She wrote on X that she was “excited” to collaborate with him on “an agenda that meets the challenges of this moment and withstands the threats we face from a Trump-led Washington.”
She also praised his messaging on the affordability of child care and housing, saying it is a “vision I share.”
More progressive City Council members, including those affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), of which Mamdani is a member, did not endorse Menin for speaker.
What People Are Saying
Democratic pollster Adam Carlson wrote on X: “God we need Speaker Crystal Hudson so badly. Julie Menin would just spend most of the time trying to being a foil to Mamdani to set up a 2029 mayoral run.”
New York City Council Member Kamillah M. Hanks wrote on X: “Julie has the vision to move our City forward and the knowledge and tenacity to get things done! I am proud to support @JulieMenin to lead the NYC Council as our next Speaker!”
Jeff Coltin, a reporter for Politico, wrote on X: “Julie Menin is miles apart from Zohran Mamdani’s political base on an identity level, but politically, it’s not as clear cut. She was trusted by de Blasio, close with labor unions and is quick to remind you she was the one that gave Ossé’s broker fee bill a hearing and a vote.”
What Happens Next
Mamdani will take office in January. The New York City Council will also meet in January, when new members take office.