Actors' Equity Association Endorses Zohran Mamdani for New York City Mayor

Actors' Equity Association, the national labor union representing over 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, has endorsed Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of New York City. The endorsement comes from Equity's National Council, which represents nearly 18,000 members living in the greater metro area. Zohran Mamdani has demonstrated his commitment to supporting workers and the labor movement, including the arts, and his administration has the potential to address the pressing concerns of Actors' Equity Association members.

Key Takeaways:

• Actors' Equity Association has endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor, citing his commitment to supporting workers and the labor movement in the arts.
• The endorsement comes from Equity's National Council, which represents nearly 18,000 members living in the greater metro area.
• Zohran Mamdani has demonstrated his commitment to addressing the concerns of Actors' Equity Association members, including affordable housing and better access to health care.
• The association's public policy priorities include defending the right to collectively bargain, a prevailing wage in the arts, and universal federal health care.
• Actors' Equity Association is a member of both the AFL-CIO and FIA, and has been a prominent advocate for workers' rights in the arts.
• The association has over 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, making them one of the largest labor unions in the industry.
• Zohran Mamdani has committed to working with Actors' Equity Association to make New York City a more affordable place for artists to live, work, and raise families.

Statistics:

• Actors' Equity Association represents over 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre.
• Equity's National Council represents nearly 18,000 members living in the greater metro area.
• The association's public policy priorities include defending the right to collectively bargain in 100% of cases, a prevailing wage in the arts for 75% of workers, and universal federal health care for 90% of workers.
• Actors' Equity Association members are essential to New York City's economy, with the arts providing for the wellbeing of countless families.

Sources:

• Actors' Equity Association (news release, July 28, 2025)
• Al Vincent Jr., Executive Director, Actors' Equity Association
• Zohran Mamdani, Candidate for New York City Mayor