This column originally appeared in The Politics Brief, our weekly newsletter on the people, power and policies that shape New Yorkers’ lives.<\/p>\n
Sign up<\/a> to get the full version where you can ask questions, share news tips and weigh in on the conversation. Hits inboxes on Wednesdays.<\/p>\n Mayor Zohran Mamdani\u2019s decision to step off at this past weekend\u2019s Lunar New Year Parade means he is now stepping into the politics of New York City\u2019s parades.<\/p>\n As a candidate, he eschewed the idea \u2014 saying he would be too busy governing to march. \u201cI haven\u2019t thought much about parades, to be honest with you,\u201d Mamdani said during a general election debate.<\/p>\n But as a mayor who rose to power by appealing to oft-overlooked constituencies like young, South Asian and Muslim voters, Mamdani has also governed with a pragmatic streak. And now that he has participated in a parade, Mamdani may face increased scrutiny for future parades he chooses to attend or \u2014 perhaps even more importantly \u2014 skip.<\/p>\n Parade politics have long presented mayors with a tightrope to walk. In the 1930s, Fiorello La Guardia was a fixture at certain parades, even riding horseback<\/a> to mark the start of the 1939 World\u2019s Fair. But La Guardia put his foot down when it came to what had been known as police parades<\/a>, a tradition that dated back to the 19th century, where officers would march through the streets.<\/p>\n In 1989, then-Mayor Ed Koch proposed a parade<\/a> to address the city\u2019s deep racial divisions, only to walk back the idea a day<\/a> later after eliciting a tepid reception from Black community leaders \u2014 including then-Manhattan borough President David Dinkins, who would go on to defeat him the Democratic primary.<\/p>\n In short order, Mamdani will need to decide whether to participate in one of the city\u2019s St. Patrick\u2019s Day parades, which are steeped in their own controversies.<\/p>\n In 1991, when then-Mayor Dinkins gave up his spot at the head of Manhattan\u2019s St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade to march up Fifth Avenue alongside members of an Irish LGBT organization, he was met with racist and homophobic jeers and beer showers<\/a>. Dinkins likened the experience to marching through Birmingham, Alabama, during the Civil Rights Movement.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew there would be deep emotions, but I did not anticipate the cowards in the crowd,” Dinkins said<\/a>.<\/p>\n The controversy over inclusivity at the St. Patrick\u2019s Day parades persisted for decades, although they all now permit LGBT groups to march.<\/p>\n Still, the mayor\u2019s office would not say whether Mamdani will march in Manhattan\u2019s St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade, but did say he is committed to celebrating \u201cthe rich culture and diversity of our city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe mayor sees parades as an important way to celebrate, protect, and stand up for all New Yorkers and also knows that this administration\u2019s commitment to uplifting the vibrant communities of our city will be reflected not just in appearances, but in action,\u201d Mamdani spokesperson Dora Pekec said.<\/p>\n State Sen. John Liu, the first Asian American elected to citywide office, marched with Mamdani at the Lunar New Year event. He said there was an expectation that Mamdani would attend.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a tradition that goes on for decades now,\u201d Liu said. \u201cThe Asian American community is continuing to grow in size and influence. And so it was fully expected, and satisfied that the mayor attended.\u201d<\/p>\n Liu acknowledged that the mayor may face scheduling conflicts for other events. Two of the city\u2019s St. Patrick\u2019s Day parades fell on the same day as the Lunar New Year Parade. But Liu didn\u2019t expect New Yorkers to give the mayor a pass for whatever parades he attends or skips.<\/p>\n \u201cThey’re going to be just as pissed off if the mayor does not attend their events,\u201d said Liu. \u201cThe only saving grace for the mayor is that whatever he doesn’t get to this year, he’ll do his best to get there next year or the following year.\u201d<\/p>\n Another big heritage celebration is the Greek Independence Day parade in April, where billionaire supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis will serve as a grand marshal. As owner of WABC Radio, his station has offered a platform to many virulent critics of the mayor. But when it comes to parade politics, Catsimatidis says it’s about the office, not the individual.<\/p>\n \u201cThe mayor is the mayor,\u201d Catsimatidis said, \u201cand he\u2019s always welcome at any parade we have in New York City.\u201d.<\/p>\n Listen hereWe want to hear from you<\/p>\n This week, we\u2019re wondering: Do you think New York City benefits from the chummy relationship Mayor Mamdani seems to have struck with President Donald Trump?<\/p>\n We’ll share responses in next week’s newsletter. (Sign up<\/a>!)<\/p>\n This week in New York politics<\/p>\n Should New York ease its liquor laws during the World Cup? This lawmaker thinks so.<\/a><\/p>\n City Hall said Tuesday that seven more people died from the cold snap that gripped New York City for several weeks, bringing the total to 29. Here\u2019s what we know.<\/a><\/p>\n A federal judge ruled the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s attempt to kill congestion pricing tolls was unlawful. Here\u2019s more on the decision.<\/a><\/p>\n The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a lower court order that would have forced New York to redraw Staten Island\u2019s congressional district ahead of this year\u2019s midterm elections. Here\u2019s what it means for the battle.<\/a><\/p>\n Advocates and lawyers are calling on Mamdani to add a Bronx public school student to the list of immigration cases he\u2019s asking President Donald Trump to dismiss. Here\u2019s more on his case.<\/a><\/p>\n New York City lawmakers are pushing to ban private businesses from using biometric tools like voice and facial recognition software to track the public. Here\u2019s why.<\/a><\/p>\n