Following his decisive primary victory in New York City, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has arrived in Washington, D.C., to meet with key Democratic leaders and gain support for his mayoral campaign. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a leading figure in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, organized a breakfast meeting on Wednesday at the National Democratic Club to introduce Mamdani to party members and potential allies. Ocasio-Cortez, who has been an early backer of Mamdani, emphasized the importance of personal introductions and policy discussions before issuing formal endorsements, stating that unity within the party is critical for its overall success.
Despite Ocasio-Cortez’s support, key Democratic leaders like Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer have yet to endorse Mamdani, sparking internal debates within the party. Mamdani, who would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor if elected, is eager to meet with these leaders and secure their backing, though no formal meetings have been confirmed. In contrast, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a former Cuomo supporter, endorsed Mamdani after the primary, signaling a shift in internal party dynamics.
Republicans have seized on Mamdani’s socialist platform to challenge vulnerable Democrats, labeling him the face of the party’s far-left shift. GOP leaders, including RNC Chair Michael Whatley, have repeatedly warned that Democrats are moving further away from mainstream American values. Meanwhile, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who initially supported the Democratic establishment, has chosen to remain in the mayoral race as an independent, with Donald Trump publicly endorsing his candidacy. Trump has criticized the Democratic Party’s direction, calling Mamdani a ‘Communist,’ while also suggesting Cuomo has a ‘good shot’ of winning the race against him.
Mamdani’s campaign has not been idle, with his team quickly responding to Republican attacks by highlighting Trump’s endorsement of Cuomo. The campaign emphasized that Cuomo’s support, both public and private, could be a significant advantage for him in the election. As the mayoral race heats up, the political landscape in New York City remains highly contested, with multiple candidates vying for the position and the Democratic Party divided over the future direction of its leadership.