Mamdani will skip this weekend’s rallies aimed at Trump, Hochul

The No Kings March against President Donald Trump is billed as the “largest protest in New York City history,” but one prominent New York City resident won’t go.  

Given his mutually respectful relationship with the president, it makes sense that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani isn’t showing up pitchfork in hand. But several of his allies will be there. The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani’s political home base, is part of the organizing coalition.

“I think that he is figuring out his orientation to the outside movement, but he’s also just really focused on New York City and the budget fight right now,” said NYC-DSA co-chair Gustavo Gordillo.

DSA will send canvassers to work the crowd to convince people to come to another rally on Sunday to pressure Gov. Kathy Hochul to raise taxes on the wealthy, featuring Sen. Bernie Sanders. Mamdani is also skipping that event because he doesn’t want to anger the governor, The New York Times reported.

Hochul doesn’t plan to attend Saturday’s No Kings rally either, her spokesperson said. But for most Democrats who aren’t in the executive branch, the event is a no-brainer. Mamdani’s congressional endorsees Brad Lander and Assembly Member Claire Valdez will be there on Saturday. Their opponents, Rep. Dan Goldman, Council Member Julie Won and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso will too.

“I think the (No Kings) rallies are an incredibly effective way for New Yorkers to both organize together and make it clear what their vision is for this city, for this state, for this country,” Mamdani offered at an unrelated press conference Friday morning. He said many New Yorkers believe ICE doesn’t belong in the city. “These rallies are also an opportunity to realize that you are not in the minority when you have those beliefs. You are, in fact, one of a part of a growing coalition of people who want to see a shred of decency, dignity and humanity come back to our city and our country.”