co-founder of the United Wine Cellars Association resigned Wednesday over the organization's support for Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Fernando Mateo called the support from UBA President Radhames Rodriguez a “betrayal” of bodega owners and workers, saying the group is an apolitical and non-profit organization that should not give such support.
“How can Mr. Rodriguez support someone whose positions run counter to the people he represents and the business practices we have built for decades?” Mateo said in a statement on Wednesday. “We work hard to maintain a good relationship with every candidate running and may the best one win, but we cannot support political support that harms the small businesses we were created to protect.”
Mateo said he will unveil plans for the new organization, the Bodega Alliance, Thursday morning at the Mega Food Store at Webster Avenue and East 170th Street in Claremont.
In 2021, Mateo became first Hispanic immigrant to run for mayor as a Republicanreceiving support from the Bronx and Queens Republican parties in a contest ultimately won by Eric Adams.
Wednesday Rodriguez Supported Mamdani outside Belmont Bodega in the Bronx—despite its pilot plan to open one government-owned city grocery store in each borough. Rodriguez canceled the plan in late June, saying it could harm his members by forcing them to compete with government agencies.
“Zohran Mamdani is attacked so often for being an immigrant, and we are all immigrants, I think most of us here,” Rodriguez said, speaking in Spanish. “And we are confident that with him we will have greater access to more opportunities than with any other candidate.”
“I support him because he promised me that whatever decision he makes on this matter, we will implement. [and have a say]”, he added.
