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Fernando Mateo, the founder of the United Bodegas of America, has resigned following the group's endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor. Mateo criticized UBA President Radhames Rodriguez for endorsing Mamdani, claiming it violated the organization's non-profit status by engaging in political endorsements. Mateo emphasized that the decision was made unilaterally by Rodriguez and did not reflect the views of the bodega owners, who oppose Mamdani's plan to launch five city-owned grocery stores. Mateo stated, "These bodega owners do not agree with having government-owned bodegas competing with them."
Rodriguez defended the endorsement, highlighting Mamdani's promise to cut red tape for small businesses and improve permit processes. Despite this, Mateo plans to form a new non-profit, the Bodega Alliance, to better represent bodega owners' interests. The endorsement has sparked controversy within the UBA, with many members expressing discontent. Mateo stated that hundreds of bodega owners reached out to him in frustration, and he advised them to remain neutral.
The endorsement comes as Mamdani seeks to maintain support among Latino voters, with polls showing a tight race against Andrew Cuomo. Mateo, who previously ran for mayor in 2021, plans to announce the formation of the Bodega Alliance at a news conference in the Bronx.
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