Questions Surround Gustav Gordillo’s Working-Class Claims

New questions have emerged about the background and claims of Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America. His portrayal of a working-class life has clashed with public records and other evidence.

Background and Family Claims

Gordillo has often shared his family’s immigrant story to illustrate his support for socialism. He told the New York Times that his parents arrived in the U.S. with nothing, working in fast food and house cleaning jobs. He uses their success as a base to argue for a socialist system where such success would be usual rather than exceptional.

However, an obituary for his paternal grandfather contradicts this narrative. Gordillo’s grandfather, Manuel Gordillo, immigrated from Peru in 1958 to practice medicine. He built a career as a psychiatrist in Ohio, leading the Ohio Psychiatric Association at one time. This background raises doubts about the claimed poverty of Gordillo’s family.

Inconsistencies in Occupation and Living Arrangements

Further discrepancies have arisen concerning Gordillo’s occupation and housing. While he claimed to rent a modest apartment in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood, reports revealed he lived in a $1.4 million townhouse belonging to his father in a more upscale area. Councilwoman Vickie Paladino pointed out this inconsistency, criticizing the apparent contradiction between his lifestyle and his advocacy against luxury housing.

Gordillo also identifies himself as a “union electrician,” but the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) dismissed this claim. The union stated he had not been an active member since March when his apprenticeship ended due to absenteeism. Despite the IBEW’s statement, Gordillo continues to describe himself as a union electrician on social media.

Fox News Digital attempted to contact Gordillo and the New York City Democratic Socialists of America for comments, but they did not respond.