Political tensions escalated as House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ endorsement of Zohran Mamdani signals the end of the Democratic Party. During a press conference on the 27th day of the government shutdown, Johnson criticized Jeffries for endorsing Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, calling it the ‘clearest sign yet that this radical insurgent movement in the Democrat Party is succeeding.’
Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Democratic mayoral nominee, accused Johnson of trying to distract from the GOP’s lack of results by attacking Jeffries for supporting his campaign. Mamdani argued that Johnson should be focusing on Congress rather than criticizing his campaign, likening the situation to the GOP’s own failures in delivering on promises to Americans.
Jeffries, representing Brooklyn in the U.S. House of Representatives, had withheld his endorsement for months before finally affirming his support for Mamdani on Friday. He praised Mamdani’s focus on addressing the city’s affordability crisis and representing all New Yorkers. Meanwhile, Johnson claimed that Jeffries’ endorsement represented the end of ‘what has always been known as the Democrat Party in America,’ accusing Democrats of bowing to ‘Marxists’ within their party.
The government shutdown, which has stalled the passage of a federal funding bill, has further inflamed tensions. Democrats have insisted on including an extension of Obamacare subsidies in the funding package, which Republicans have opposed. Republicans have accused Democrats of holding the government hostage over partisan demands, while Democrats warn that allowing the subsidies to expire would hike healthcare costs for millions of Americans.
As the mayoral race heats up, speculation continues about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s potential political ambitions, including her possible run for Schumer’s Senate seat or president in 2028. Republicans have accused Schumer of maintaining a red line on continuing resolution (CR) negotiations to appease his party’s progressive wing. While Jeffries has endorsed Mamdani, Schumer has yet to do so, highlighting the ongoing division within the Democratic Party.