Queens state senator and former Comptroller Liu endorses Mamdani (D) despite disagreements on Israel

Queens state Senator and former City Comptroller John Liu on Monday said he is backing Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani as his top choice in the Democratic mayoral primary despite their sharp disagreements on Israel.

Liu, who represents Flushing in Albany’s upper chamber, said during a June 2 City Hall news conference that he supports Mamdani because of their shared views on several issues and the lawmaker’s strong character. Mamdani is running in second place to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the crowded June 24 primary and appears to be closing the gap between them, according to a recent poll.

The senator, who previously served as city comptroller between 2010 and 2013 and made an unsuccessful mayoral bid 12 years ago, added that he admires Mamdani’s focus on education for immigrant communities, view of early childhood education as an “economic engine,” and understanding of the need for public safety. He also praised Mamdani’s ability to come up with “practical policies” and make them understandable to New Yorkers as well as his “integrity.”

“He is a public official who has no scars, no marks,” Liu said. “People may disagree with him on issues, but he has held himself to the utmost integrity. His thousands of of small contributors have powered his campaign like no one a few months ago would have imagined. And because of that, he doesn’t owe anybody anything. He’s not beholden to any moneyed interests.”



https://www.amny.com/news/queens-liu-endorses-mamdani-disagreement-israel/