NEW YORK, NY (October 14, 2025) — The public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education today announced its endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York City.
“For a quarter century, we’ve organized to ensure every child in New York has access to a quality education,” said AQE co-executive directors Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and Marina Marcou-O’Malley. “The outcome of the mayoral election will shape the future of not just New York City, but the entire state. That’s why we’re doing something we’ve never done before and endorsing Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York City.”
The endorsement marks a significant step for AQE. “Most people don’t realize the power we have to endorse, because we don’t use it very often,” said Marcou-O’Malley. “But this year is different.”
“Zohran stands for universal child care, ensuring families have free access to programs that meet their needs while paying early educators a thriving wage. As an Assemblymember he has fought for a quality education so every child has the opportunity to succeed. And he has been unapologetic in the Assembly and on the campaign trail about demanding the revenues we need to do those things and so much more.”
The organization emphasized that the stakes of the upcoming election go beyond city borders. “As advocates, we know our power, and we’re ready to use it,” said Shaakir-Ansari. We’ll keep flexing this muscle in the fight for equity and opportunity for every child.”