Retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez has endorsed Carl Wilson in the special election to replace Erik Bottcher on the City Council, marking a significant break with Mayor Zohran Mamdani. This comes as the two powerful progressives continue to support rival candidates in a series of proxy fights across the city. The endorsement of Wilson further adds to the tension between Velazzquez and Mammani. Wilson, who has been the former chief of staff of Mayor Bottcher, is focusing on affordability, transit, quality-of-life issues and preserving LGBTQ representation in a district that includes the Stonewall Inn.