By: Jordan Baker

A Queens lawmaker backed by mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after opposing a major casino development in her own district while personally benefiting from a separate gaming operation, according to a report by the New York Post.

Assemblymember Claire Valdez, who is running for Congress with Mamdani’s support, voted against a proposed $8 billion casino complex near Citi Field despite receiving annual payments tied to a Texas-based tribal casino. The New York Post reported that Valdez collects between $5,000 and $20,000 each year as a member of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo tribe, which operates the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso.

The situation has raised questions among critics who argue that Valdez’s stance appears contradictory. While she moved to block a union-backed gaming project in Queens, she has financially benefited from casino revenue generated elsewhere, according to the New York Post.

The proposed Queens development, known as “Metropolitan Park,” is backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International. Supporters say the project would create roughly 23,000 union jobs and deliver more than $1 billion in community benefits, making it one of the most ambitious redevelopment plans in the city.

Despite those promises, Valdez was one of only two lawmakers from Queens to vote against the measure when it came before the state legislature. As the New York Post reported, her opposition aligned with other progressive lawmakers skeptical of casino expansion and its potential social impacts.

Valdez defended her vote by pointing to strong resistance from local residents, saying she was reflecting the concerns of constituents who feared increased traffic, crime, and gambling-related issues. However, critics say that explanation does not fully address the apparent inconsistency between her policy stance and her personal financial ties to gaming revenue.

The New York Post noted that Valdez’s connection to the tribal casino stems from her status as an enrolled member of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, which distributes a portion of its casino profits to its citizens. She has argued that such payments are a common economic lifeline for Indigenous communities with limited development opportunities.

Still, the controversy has intensified due to her support for a separate casino proposal in the Bronx. According to the New York Post, Valdez backed legislation that would allow a Bally’s casino project tied to a former Trump golf course to move forward — a project that could ultimately result in a significant payout to the Trump Organization.

That contrast has fueled accusations of selective opposition, with detractors questioning why a casino in Queens was deemed unacceptable while a similar project elsewhere received her backing.

The political fallout comes as Valdez seeks higher office and as Mamdani’s endorsement continues to shape the race.