They seemed like the perfect political couple.

Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander’s cross-endorsement in the final stretch of the Democratic mayoral primary was hailed as a “ progressive bromance ” that demonstrated the promise of ranked-choice voting.

Mamdani was gaining momentum in polls, while Lander was coming off a high-profile week after getting arrested by ICE agents .

But as often happens in relationships, one partner wants to set boundaries.

In what has become the worst-kept secret in New York City politics, Lander has been telling people he wants to become the first deputy mayor — the no. 2 role in City Hall — should Mamdani win the general election, according to multiple sources who have spoken to him.

But weeks after the primary, Mamdani told Lander, the city comptroller,

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