New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced criticism for not distancing himself from Gustavo Gordillo, the co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Gordillo is accused of failing to pay thousands in rent for a Crown Heights apartment while his family spent $1.4 million renovating the Brooklyn townhouse where he resides. Critics say these allegations conflict with the anti-landlord and rent-abolitionist stance that Gordillo promotes.

On Sunday, Mamdani stated that those working for a “more affordable life” and “fairer life” for New Yorkers “should be welcomed into this work.” When questioned on Monday about whether Gordillo should resign and the allegations of Gordillo fabricating his employment status, Mamdani insisted on welcoming anyone committed to making New York “a city that everyone can belong to.” However, he concluded the conversation without addressing Gordillo’s specific actions, saying, “Thank you very much.”

Gordillo, an Ivy League graduate and NYC-DSA co-chair, collaborated closely with Mamdani and his team on fundraising and campaign strategies, eventually joining Mamdani’s Economic Development & Workforce Development transition committee. Public records claim that Gordillo failed to pay $5,000 in rent on a $2,500-a-month apartment in Crown Heights, while his family’s townhouse was undergoing $1.4 million in renovations. Gordillo’s family purchased the townhouse in 2019 for $935,000, reportedly as a residence for Gordillo and his brother.

The Democratic Socialists of America have become the Double Standards of America — demanding transparency, fairness, and accountability from everyone else while ignoring serious questions about one of their own,” said Rev. Kevin McCall, a Brooklyn pastor who assists tenants in New York City Housing Authority complexes.

Rev. McCall told the New York Post that Gordillo’s case raises questions about his honesty with working-class New Yorkers regarding his residence, housing acquisition, and employment background. He urged DSA leaders and elected officials to address these issues publicly and demand Gordillo’s resignation.

Neither Mamdani’s office, the NYC-DSA, nor Gordillo have responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. The housing case involving Gordillo remains pending, with no judgment issued.

Questions about Gordillo’s working-class background were also prominent in Monday’s interaction between Mamdani and reporters. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers informed the New York Post that Gordillo’s apprenticeship was terminated in March due to prolonged absences and failure in required duties and classes.

The New York Post disclosed that Gordillo secured a $95,000 annual salary from NYC-DSA without revealing his termination. Additionally, there were complications with the townhouse renovation, including nonunion contractors and a city stop-work order over permit issues. Critics argue this contradicts Gordillo’s image as a union electrician and advocate for labor rights.

A union source mentioned to the New York Post that Gordillo “didn’t have a strong work record” and accepted the position “just for show,” depriving “a slot from someone who needed the opportunity.”