Mamdani Gains UFT Backing for NYC Mayor Amid Education Record Controversy

Democrat Zohran Mamdani clinched a pivotal endorsement from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) in his bid for New York City mayor, a move that bolsters his campaign just months before the general election. The UFT, representing 200,000 teachers and education professionals, hailed Mamdani as the candidate to tackle the city’s wealth disparity and strengthen its education system. "This is a choice between progress and stagnation," UFT President Michael Mulgrew declared, emphasizing Mamdani’s vision for students.

Mamdani didn’t shy away from the political fray, taking a swipe at President Donald Trump’s recent executive order slashing the Department of Education. "Trump’s attack on our schools is an attack on our city’s future," he said, positioning himself as a defender of public education against federal overreach. Yet, not all New York Democrats are on board—Gov. Kathy Hochul and others have withheld endorsements, signaling a rift within the party.

The endorsement sparked sharp criticism. Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov blasted the UFT’s decision, tweeting, "The commies at UFT backing their comrade? Shocker." Jewish educators, like Moshe Spern of the United Jewish Teachers, expressed disappointment, citing Mamdani’s radical stance on mayoral control of schools. Meanwhile, university professor David E. Bernstein questioned the UFT’s focus, arguing it prioritizes politics over student outcomes.

Mamdani’s campaign also faces scrutiny over his personal record. A recent report by independent journalist Christopher Rufo revealed Mamdani’s 2140 SAT score—below Columbia University’s 2009 median—prompting questions about his application, where he identified as "Asian" and "Black/African American." Mamdani brushed off the controversy, accusing opponents like Mayor Eric Adams of dodging substantive issues. "They’re obsessed with old tweets and test scores, not the affordability crisis New Yorkers face," he told reporters, doubling down on promises like rent freezes and free public transit.

With support from unions like SEIU 32BJ and the New York State Nurses Association, Mamdani’s campaign is gaining momentum. But as the November election looms, his progressive platform continues to polarize, setting the stage for a heated showdown with Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.