Zohran Mamdani Backs Diana Moreno Over Mary Jobaida Ahead of February 3 Special Election

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has endorsed Diana Moreno in the upcoming February 3 special election for the New York State Assembly seat in District 36, opting not to back Bangladeshi-American candidate Mary Zobaida, a decision that has triggered reactions within the Bangladeshi community.

Mamdani announced his endorsement during a press conference on Saturday at Athens Square Park in Astoria, praising Moreno’s long-standing work with workers, immigrants, and local residents. He described her as a leader capable of advancing the progressive movement and reaffirmed his full support for her candidacy.

The endorsement has drawn particular attention because Mary Jobaida, a Democratic Socialist and longtime Astoria resident, was an active supporter of Mamdani during his mayoral campaign. Jobaida, a mother of three, participated extensively in grassroots organizing, including door-to-door outreach efforts.

Responding to the development, Jobaida said she holds no personal grievance against Mamdani and confirmed that he had discussed the endorsement decision with her in advance. She acknowledged limitations behind the decision but emphasized the significant role played by the Bangladeshi community in building Mamdani’s political base during his early campaign period.

Despite her remarks, Mamdani’s endorsement of Moreno has led to disappointment among members of the Bangladeshi community. Several community members and leaders expressed concern, viewing the decision as a missed opportunity to support a candidate with deep roots in the local immigrant population. Mohammad Ali, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Society, voiced frustration and called on the community to unite behind Zobaida’s campaign.

On December 20, a group of community and religious leaders issued a joint statement endorsing Mary Jobaida and urging voters to support her in the special election. The statement was signed by more than fifty of prominent figures from the Bangladeshi community.

Jobaida said she has lived in Astoria since 2001 and maintains a strong bond of trust with residents. She reported that her campaign has raised approximately $58,000 from nearly 500 donors, in addition to more than $100,000 in matching funds, while continuing to focus on grassroots-level organizing. She has also received the endorsement of New York State Senator John Liu.

Diana Moreno, 38, who is of Ecuadorian descent, grew up in Florida and has lived in Astoria since 2019. Her campaign has raised about $51,000 from roughly 800 donors. Moreno has secured endorsements from Mamdani, City Council Member Tiffany Cabán, and other progressive leaders, as well as backing from the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA).

In a social media post, Moreno said she is running to advance an affordability-focused agenda and to push back against what she described as rising authoritarianism.

The February 3 special election will include multiple candidates, including Mary Jobaida, Rana Abdelhamid, and Shivani Dhir. The Assembly seat will become vacant once Zohran Mamdani is sworn in as mayor on January 1.