Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has joined the chorus of critics against New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, acknowledging the controversy over his residence in a rent-stabilized apartment despite his considerable income. Jeffries, while refraining from endorsing Mamdani, indicated that the matter is a valid one that requires state-level attention, not federal intervention. This stance has drawn backlash from Mamdani’s allies and left-leaning commentators, with some suggesting that Jeffries’ position undermines his leadership. The controversy has escalated, with Mamdani facing an ethics complaint questioning the legitimacy of his housing arrangement and his campaign’s ability to address these concerns.
Mamdani has faced intensifying criticism for living in the rent-controlled apartment while campaigning on the need for affordable housing, including from his opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has floated legislation dubbed