New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is working behind the scenes to organize progressive Democrats and labor leaders around a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, seeking to build on the political momentum from the recent midterms. The effort comes as the Democratic Party's left wing considers its options and worries that establishment figures could consolidate support behind a more moderate candidate.

Mamdani has held private meetings with prominent union leaders and progressive allies, urging them to begin organizing early rather than wait until the presidential campaign is underway. Because Mamdani was born in Uganda, he is constitutionally ineligible to serve as president, but he is seeking to influence the Democratic primary by helping the progressive movement coordinate behind a candidate who could challenge a leading centrist contender.

One of Mamdani's closest political allies, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, is among the potential candidates being discussed. However, Mamdani has reportedly acknowledged uncertainty over whether she will pursue a presidential campaign or instead seek a Senate seat. Her decision could have significant implications for progressives looking for a recognizable figure to lead their movement in 2028.

Mamdani's organizing effort is partly driven by concerns that establishment Democrats could rally behind a moderate candidate, repeating the political dynamics of the 2020 Democratic primary. During that contest, former President Barack Obama helped build support for former President Joe Biden as Sen. Bernie Sanders sought the nomination.

The mayor has already begun reaching out to organized labor. Last month, he met with International Union of Painters and Allied Trades President Jimmy Williams Jr. at Gracie Mansion, where they discussed potential presidential candidates and how unions might approach the endorsement process. Mamdani also asked whether Williams had ever considered running for elected office.

Mamdani has separately met with Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson to discuss the 2028 election and other political issues. He is also expected to meet with United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, another prominent figure in the progressive labor movement.

Williams expressed support for working-class Americans seeking elected office, pointing to recent Democratic victories involving candidates with labor backgrounds. He said he had no interest in running himself, but argued that unions should play a role in shaping the party's future leadership.

Other potential progressive candidates include incoming Michigan Sen. Abdul El-Sayed and California Rep. Ro Khanna, who is widely expected to consider a presidential campaign. Some on the left are also hoping the Democrats' recent election victories will encourage Ocasio-Cortez to enter the race.

Bhaskar Sunkara, president of the liberal publication The Nation and a former Sanders campaign surrogate, has also advocated for a labor-backed presidential candidate, arguing that working-class voters should have a direct role in shaping the party's leadership.

The effort reflects an early attempt by progressives to organize ahead of the 2028 presidential primary. However, Democrats' midterm victories included candidates from different ideological factions, leaving open questions about whether the party's next presidential nominee will come from its progressive wing or its more moderate ranks.