Ydanis Rodríguez Endorses Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York City
New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner and prominent community leader Ydanis Rodríguez officially announced his endorsement of Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani in his bid for Mayor of New York City, during a packed event held this past Sunday at La Casa del Mofongo in Upper Manhattan.
During the gathering, Rodríguez praised Mamdani’s record as a leader committed to social justice, equity, and diversity — values that, he emphasized, represent the very essence of New York City.
“Just as Mother Cabrini raised her voice for Italians in her time, today we must raise ours for the new immigrants who arrive with dreams and talent. New York must continue to be the city that embraces, not the one that excludes,” said Rodríguez with emotion.
The announcement drew dozens of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists from across Upper Manhattan who applauded Rodríguez’s call for unity and solidarity among New York’s diverse communities.
A Leadership Defined by Equity and Inclusion
Since his appointment as NYC DOT Commissioner, Ydanis Rodríguez has led a citywide agenda focused on equity and inclusion, ensuring fair representation of all ethnic groups across the agency’s programs and contracts.
When Rodríguez first took office, participation of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in DOT contracts stood at just 11%. Under his leadership, that figure tripled to a historic 34% in the most recent fiscal year.
Among other landmark initiatives, Rodríguez established the first prayer room for Muslim employees within the Department of Transportation — reaffirming his commitment to religious diversity and cultural respect in the workplace.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Rodríguez and Mamdani have previously joined forces at various community events, including Eid celebrations at the Darul Uloom New York Mosque, alongside community leader Sardar Barkatullah and Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, where they shared messages of unity and hope with hundreds of attendees.
During a recent transit tour, Mamdani —the Democratic Party’s leading candidate— publicly praised Rodríguez’s record on mobility and equity, stating:
“I’m going to assess everyone on the basis of their work, on the basis of their merit, not on the basis of who appointed them.”
Strengthening Ties Between Latino and Muslim Communities
Rodríguez’s endorsement of Zohran Mamdani marks an important step in strengthening the connection between New York’s Latino and Muslim communities — two groups that have long collaborated to advance inclusive public policies.
Under Rodríguez’s leadership, NYC DOT has opened doors for all communities to participate in major city events such as Summer Streets, Car-Free Earth Day, and other initiatives promoting equitable access to public space and sustainable mobility.
Together, Rodríguez and Mamdani share a common vision for a fairer, more diverse, and more equitable New York City — one where every community has a voice and real opportunities to thrive.
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