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Mamdani, NYC mayoral front-runner, meets with Bernie Sanders and AOC in DC visit
Mamdani, NYC mayoral front-runner, meets with Bernie Sanders and AOC in DC visit

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

Mamdani, NYC mayoral front-runner, meets with Bernie Sanders and AOC in DC visit

WASHINGTON − New York City's mayoral front-runner and Democratic disruptor Zohran Mamdani hopped south July 16 to the nation's capital, as he looks to shore up the support of some wary party bigwigs. Mamdani, a 33-year-old state lawmaker, declared victory in the New York Democratic primary in June, beating out well-known former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (who has since announced plans to run as an independent candidate). His win was a stunning upset that reverberated beyond New York's five boroughs, with many openly questioning whether the success of a self-described democratic socialist spelled a left-leaning movement in the national party. More: Trump says Cuomo has a 'good shot' for NYC mayor; Mamdani camp calls it an 'endorsement' Nowhere are people more obsessed with the political eight ball than in Washington, where Mamdani was enjoying breakfast and kudos from congressional Democrats. Mamdani "got an energetic and welcoming reception in DC this morning," Rep. Robert Garcia, D-California, wrote in a post July 16. "Proud of our Democratic nominee for NYC Mayor. Let's win!" Lawmakers spent the roughly two-hour meeting at a Washington restaurant talking campaign strategy and takeaways from Mamdani's success, Politico reported. The meal was organized by fellow New Yorker and democratic socialist, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Mamdani was later seen laughing with progressive icon Sen. Bernie Sanders after a meeting with Democratic lawmakers. Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders, emblematic of the party's left flank, each gave Mamdani their endorsement in the primary race. "It's a wake-up call for the Democratic Party establishment, should they choose to listen," Stephanie Taylor, cofounder of Progressive Change Campaign Committee, told USA TODAY in June. "It's voters saying very clearly what they want and offering a direction for how the Democratic Party can start to win again." Not everyone is cheering for the left-wing Cinderella story, though. "Socialist Zohran Mamdani is too extreme to lead New York City," Rep. Laura Gillen, D-New York, said in a statement at the time of his win. Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries − both New Yorkers − have also yet to endorse Mamdani. Politico reported Jeffries, who other outlets reported was not in attendance Wednesday, is waiting to meet with the nominee before extending official support. Ocasio-Cortez called the intraparty division "disappointing," in speaking to reporters July 15. "Democrats support the Democratic nominee," she said. "For me, my principles are consistent. I supported Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2020," she added. After Joe Biden won the Democratic presidential primary that year, "I got behind our presidential nominee because I'm a Democrat and I believe that our party is stronger when we are united." Contributing: Phillip M. Bailey and Deborah Berry, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mamdani meets with Bernie Sanders, AOC

Dem House leader Hakeem Jeffries still withholds endorsement after meeting with Zohran Mamdani
Dem House leader Hakeem Jeffries still withholds endorsement after meeting with Zohran Mamdani

Fox News

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • Fox News

Dem House leader Hakeem Jeffries still withholds endorsement after meeting with Zohran Mamdani

After meeting with leading New York City mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani, Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., issued a lukewarm statement through a spokesperson about the meeting and did not endorse his party's nominee. Mamdani, a New York state assemblyman and self-proclaimed socialist who has promised to overhaul New York City and launch massive new government programs, has been endorsed by progressive politicians like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Despite winning the Democratic Party's nomination over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo by a wide margin, Mamdani has yet to be endorsed by the party's top leaders, Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Jeffries and Mamdani met in New York City for about an hour Friday. After the meeting, Politico reporter Nicholas Wu posted a statement from Jeffries spokesperson Justin Chermol that called it "constructive" but did not include any mention of an endorsement. Chermol said "the meeting between Leader Jeffries and Assemblyman Mamdani was constructive, candid and community-centered, with particular focus on affordability. "Leader Jeffries and Assemblyman Mamdani discussed a variety of other important issues, including public safety, rising antisemitism, gentrification and the importance of taking back the House in 2026." According to Chermol's statement, the two "agreed to reconvene shortly, alongside other members of the New York City congressional delegation and a few high-level community leaders." Mamdani is seen by many as a controversial candidate, partially due to his socialist policy proposals and heavy criticism of the state of Israel. Mamdani, who is Muslim, has declined to say whether Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state and his initial refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada." However, he recently began distancing himself from the phrase. On Thursday, Jeffries told reporters "as has been the case with every single high-profile endorsement decision that I've made in the past, I have a sit-down conversation, and then I take it from there." The meeting with Jeffries comes after Mamdani's recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he attended a breakfast hosted by Ocasio-Cortez and mingled with some of the party's most powerful players. Since then, he secured the endorsement of Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who serves as the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee. Mamdani is running to unseat the current mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, who is running for re-election as an independent. He is also facing off against Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and activist Curtis Sliwa, who is the Republican Party nominee.

House Democrats praise Mamdani after Ocasio-Cortez event
House Democrats praise Mamdani after Ocasio-Cortez event

Yahoo

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

House Democrats praise Mamdani after Ocasio-Cortez event

Democratic members of the House praised New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani following a closed-door breakfast he held in Washington along with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday. The meeting took place as Mamdani, coming off of his upset victory in June's Democratic primary, seeks to consolidate support as the party's nominee. He is also set to hold meetings with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Mamdani has faced scrutiny since his win over his status as a democratic socialist and his avoidance of condemning the phrase 'globalize the intifada,' which some pro-Palestinian activists have used amid the war between Israel and Hamas. But the early reception from lawmakers in attendance at the breakfast has appeared to be positive. NewsNation reported some comments from House members on the way out included that the meeting went 'well' and that Mamdani is 'inspiring.' They reportedly said the 'globalize the intifada' phrase wasn't discussed. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said in a post on the social platform X that Mamdani received an 'energetic and welcoming' reception at the breakfast and thanked Ocasio-Cortez for organizing the event. 'Proud of our Democratic nominee for NYC Mayor. Let's win!' Garcia said. Mamdani reposted Garcia's post. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), a former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called the meeting 'fantastic,' telling reporters on the way out that Mamdani is talented, smart and authentic. She said the 33-year-old is bringing together 'anybody who can see the reality of the success of his candidacy and his campaign.' She added that anyone who is choosing not to endorse Mamdani is 'missing an opportunity.' Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) told NewsNation that one possible vulnerability for Mamdani is that people above 40 years old may have a different association with the word 'socialism,' as some think of former communist leaders such as Joseph Stalin and Fidel Castro. But, he said, Ocasio-Cortez said young people view it as meaning battling corruption and fighting for workers. He told reporters he was 'eager' to meet Mamdani. Some members, however, were more hesitant to share their thoughts on Mamdani's candidacy and whether they support him. Rep. Luz Rivas (D-Calif.) said Mamdani shared 'tips and tricks' of how to use social media to share your message. During the primary campaign, Mamdani gained widespread attention for his social media videos that often received a large number of views online, boosting his campaign. Rivas said she appreciated learning the skills as a first-term member of Congress, but the meeting wasn't about whether the members were supporting him and only about gaining communication skills. A few other Democrats in attendance left the meeting without speaking to press, including Reps. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), NewsNation reported. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), who was also in attendance, expressed concern about Mamdani and his proposals in a statement but said he's always interested in learning how to better communicate and share his own message. 'I don't think higher taxes, anti-job creating socialism, and an acceptance of antisemitic rhetoric is the right direction for America,' he said. 'That said, I am always open to learning how I can reach more people with my commonsense, problem-solving approach.' The meeting came after another Mamdani reportedly participated in Tuesday with business executives, at which he said he wouldn't use the term 'globalize the intifada' and would discourage others from using it as well. Updated at 11:43 a.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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