Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent Democratic representative from New York, hosted a breakfast event for NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani with fellow Democrats in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning. The gathering, which was intended to strengthen local and national party ties, has instead sparked controversy and led to the withdrawal of support from key Democratic leaders. The event drew criticism for its timing and perceived lack of alignment with broader party priorities.
Democratic leaders, including members of the party’s congressional delegation and senior officials, have distanced themselves from Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani, citing concerns over the event’s implications for the party’s unity and strategic direction. The backlash has intensified as internal factions within the party debate the role of local candidates in shaping national policy agendas. The withdrawal of endorsements signals a significant shift in the party’s internal dynamics, with implications for both the mayoral race and broader Democratic strategy.