Mamdani silent on ex-staffer’s child sex crimes

Zohran Mamdani is a candidate for mayor of New York City. He is known for his outspoken socialist views. However, he has faced criticism for hiring a former campaign spokesperson who has a criminal past. Matthew Thomas, the ex-spokesperson, served three months in jail for soliciting sex from a minor. The incident occurred in 2014 when he tried to arrange a sexual encounter with a 16-year-old boy. At that time, Thomas was known as Matthew Coogan but changed his name in 2017. Mamdani did not know about Thomas's criminal history when he hired him for his successful Assembly race in 2020. After the news broke, Mamdani stated he had no knowledge of Thomas’s past. Andrew Epstein, Mamdani’s current spokesperson, confirmed that Thomas has not worked for Mamdani since 2020. Critics have reacted strongly to the news. Councilman Robert Holden called Mamdani’s hiring decision dangerous and irresponsible. He claimed it shows that Mamdani is unfit to lead the city. Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán also employed Thomas for her 2019 campaign. Over time, both candidates paid him over $22,000. Thomas was charged with two counts related to soliciting a child but avoided rape charges due to Delaware laws. He now resides in Delaware and has not commented on the situation.