Exclusive | NYC bodega leaders voice support for Andrew Cuomo –

Leaders of a prominent New York City bodega and restaurant organization are breaking their usual silence on political matters by endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor, following a controversial endorsement of Zohran Mamdani by a rival group, as reported by The Post.

Francisco Marte, the founder and president of the Bodega and Small Business Group, which represents over 3,000 small businesses in NYC, stated, “We typically do not endorse candidates, but we believe Andrew Cuomo is the best choice at this time.”

The main concerns for these small businesses revolve around Mamdani’s proposal to open city-owned grocery stores offering wholesale prices and his stance on defunding the police, which has raised alarms among retailers.

According to Marte, Cuomo is seen as a candidate who will prioritize public safety and not introduce initiatives like city-owned grocery stores that could compete with small businesses.

Following the endorsement of Mamdani by the United Bodegas of America, a fallout ensued, with members defecting to Marte’s group in response to feeling betrayed by the endorsement.

Plans are underway to reconcile with the defected members and unite under a common association, as Mateo and Marte aim to find common ground and work together in the future.

Overall, the political landscape within these small business groups reflects the complexities and nuances of the mayoral election, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration for the benefit of the community.