House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has finally endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the progressive mayor candidate in the New York City mayoral race. The endorsement, announced just days before early voting begins, follows an earlier backing from Governor Kathy Hochul. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, has been leading in polls with his focus on affordability and social equity. His campaign, bolstered by grassroots support and prominent progressive figures, has positioned him as a strong contender for the mayoral seat.
Jeffries, the top Democrat in the U.S. House, acknowledged areas of principled disagreement with Mamdani but emphasized his commitment to addressing New York City’s affordability crisis. The endorsement is seen as a strategic move to solidify support within the party ahead of the general election. Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary, where he defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, has already marked him as a prominent figure in the race.
Tensions within the Democratic Party have been evident as Mamdani’s far-left policies, including proposals to provide free childcare and tuition-free education, have attracted both praise and criticism. His support from figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders has bolstered his campaign. However, opponents argue that his policies could become a target for Republicans in upcoming midterms.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has continued his campaign against Mamdani, labeling him a ‘communist’ and assigning him a new derogatory nickname. The Republican Party is actively working to associate Mamdani with vulnerable Democratic legislators, potentially influencing the political landscape ahead of the midterms.
With Election Day approaching, the endorsements from Jeffries and Hochul may put pressure on other key Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to align with Mamdani. This development underscores the high stakes of the mayoral race, which is seen as a bellwether for the broader Democratic base and its future direction.