AOC Endorses Zohran + ICE Raids Accelerate
No. 430 | Monday, June 9, 2025
The NYC Thorn is a weekly roundup of local political news compiled by members of NYC-DSA.
Election News
In a major boost to his campaign, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced her endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for mayor as new polls show Zohran’s campaign gaining momentum.
As the Working Families Party debates its election strategy, Mamdani’s campaign, fueled by hundreds of grassroots volunteers, is proving that working-class people can drive a mayoral campaign in NYC.
In a move that shocked many, Jessica Ramos endorsed Andrew Cuomo, a man she referred to as "the Democratic Party's Trump" just weeks ago. Ramos defended her Cuomo endorsement as pragmatic, but progressive allies quickly pulled their support for her campaign.
A new deep dive by Gothemist reminds us of Andrew Cuomo’s disastrous subway legacy as governor, including a record of neglect and PR stunts that riders are still paying for.
The finance industry is betting big on Cuomo and remains untouched by the affordability crisis working-class New Yorkers face daily.
Cuomo also lied about receiving endorsements from NYCHA leaders.
The Public Advocate debate got heated between Jumaane Williams and Jenifer Rajkumar, with sharp differences on housing and policing.
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado officially launched his campaign to unseat Gov. Hochul.
The Thorn is published weekly by the Electoral Working Group of the NYC Democratic Socialists of America. Join the Electoral Working Group! Volunteer for NYC-DSA-endorsed mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and NYC-DSA-endorsed City Council candidate Alexa Aviles (District 38, Sunset Park)!
Local News
ICE agents in Manhattan unlawfully detained multiple U.S. citizens during a raid, raising urgent alarms about family separation and ongoing abuses. In response, thousands took to the streets this week to protest and block coordinated ICE raids across the city, as NYPD’s involvement raised further questions about the extent of local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.
The Rent Guidelines Board is preparing for a crucial vote, and organizers are demanding a full rent freeze to confront the deepening affordability crisis in NYC. You can sign up to share your story at an upcoming public hearing in your borough here.
As frustrations grow with Mayor Eric Adams, new efforts are underway to establish a legal mechanism for a mayoral recall.
Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez indicted Grabba Leaf for sweatshop conditions at a tobacco product warehouse where immigrant workers were forced to work without pay.
A federal judge just ruled that NYPD’s use of unconstitutional searches during “coordinated response teams” violated basic civil rights.
Many shelter residents across NYC still can’t access Wi-Fi, prompting new legislation to provide free service.
The MTA is finally addressing the long-standing pinch point on the 2, 3, 4 and 5 trains in Brooklyn.
The DOT unveiled details on its Flatbush Avenue bus lane project.
A Brooklyn clinic is now offering same-day LGBTQ+ care, a step forward for health access that affirms and protects queer communities.
Thousands of New Yorkers gathered for Eid al-Adha prayers in Washington Square Park.
The NYC Local
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