Exclusive | Politics at the Met Gala: Brad Lander appears to court big mayoral endorsement with daughters union-logo jacket

The biggest fashion statement at Monday’s Met Gala wasn’t any of the flamboyant outfits worn by celebrities, but a smartly tailored black blazer sporting a giant union logo.The jacket — featuring the logo of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) emblazoned on the back — was worn by Rosa Lander, the daughter of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is also a Democratic candidate for mayor.The University of Chicago student accompanied her dad who, as an ex-officio member of the museum’s board (along with opponents Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams), gets free tickets to the star-studded fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Anna Wintour Costume Center.But one political analyst accused Lander of using the Met Gala to bolster his campaign and court much-needed union backing from the New York City Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, which represents more than a million workers including teachers, construction workers, truck drivers and hospitality workers.“Lander’s campaign is flagging, so of course he is absolutely courting anyone to endorse him at this point,” said strategist Hank Sheinkopf.

“At this point he’ll take anybody he can get to endorse him.”He added that state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate for mayor, is taking far left-wing support away from Lander’s campaign.Last month, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees — the union representing 170,000 theatrical and stage workers — backed Mamdani.In 2021, the New York City branch of the AFL-CIO endorsed Lander for city comptroller and Eric Adams for mayor.

But the powerful union, known as the New York City Central Labor Council, has not yet endorsed a candidate for the June Democratic primary, a spokesperson said.(Adams is running as an Independent.)On April 20, The Post reported that the Democratic primary for mayor was increasingly turning into a two-person race, with su...