The co-founder of the United Bodegas Association resigned Wednesday over the organization’s endorsement of Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

Fernando Mateo called the backing by UBA president Radhames Rodriguez a “betrayal” to bodega owners and workers — asserting the group is non-political and a not-for-profit organization that shouldn’t make such endorsements.

“How can Mr. Rodríguez support someone whose positions go against the very people he represents and the business practices we have built for decades?” Mateo said in a statement Wednesday. “We are working hard to maintain good relationships with every candidate running and may the best one win, but we cannot stand behind a political endorsement that hurts the small businesses we were created to defend.”

Mateo said he

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