New York — Actors' Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, announced that Equity's National Council has endorsed Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of the City of New York, on behalf of its nearly 18,000 members who live in the greater metro area.

"Throughout his campaign, Zohran Mamdani has not just talked a big game about supporting workers, but demonstrated his commitment to the labor movement, including in the arts," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "New York City relies on live entertainment to drive its economy and provide for the wellbeing of countless families, and it needs and deserves a mayor who recognizes the role the arts play in our city's economy. Assemblymember Mamdani will be a partner in addressing our members' most pressing concerns, from affordable housing to better access to health care. We look forward to working closely with his mayoral administration."

"I'm deeply honored to have the support of Actors' Equity Association as we fight to make our city more affordable for the incredible actors, stage managers, singers and dancers who play an integral role in making New York City a world-renowned cultural capital," said Zohran Mamdani. "Thanks to the billionaire-backed politics of Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, artists are being priced out of New York City – but together, we'll build a city where all New Yorkers can actually afford to live, work and raise families."

Equity's public policy priorities nationwide include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, a prevailing wage in the arts, racial justice, a strong minimum wage, stronger federal and state arts funding, gun violence prevention, universal federal health care, tax fairness and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.

ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks

July 28, 2025

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