Velázquez Cites Broken Handshake Pledge to Espaillat — "Now We Know His Word Isn't Worth Anything," Council Member Says

Per Espaillat (recounting to Nydia Velázquez), Mamdani and Espaillat shook hands last summer on a mutual-endorsement deal — Espaillat would back Mamdani after the Democratic primary, Mamdani would back Espaillat in 2026. Espaillat held up his end Jul 2025. Mamdani endorsing Avila Chevalier Wed Jun 3 broke the pledge. Velázquez publicly cited it; one NYC Council member: "Now we know his word isn't worth anything." Mamdani has not denied the handshake account. Becomes the second pledge to a fellow elected he's walked from (mayoral-control reversal in May was the first).

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