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Zohran Mamdani’s primary night win surprised the political landscape this week, highlighting a generational gap among New York Democrats.
New York Democrat Rep. Tom Suozzi publicly backed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the City Hall race on Tuesday. He confirmed on Wednesday that he had “serious concerns” about Assemblyman Mamdani prior to Tuesday, which influenced his endorsement of Mamdani’s opponent. Those concerns persist.
While fellow democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., supported Mamdani before his primary win, prominent national Democratic leaders, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, did not immediately endorse him after his victory.
“He ran a commendable campaign that resonated with New Yorkers regarding affordability, fairness, & opportunity,” Schumer stated on Wednesday. When questioned by reporters about the lack of endorsement, Schumer did not provide further insights on what Mamdani’s win means for the Democratic Party’s future.
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Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayoral candidate, arrives for a news conference at Astoria Park during the New York City mayoral Democratic primary in Queens on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Christian Monterrosa/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Jeffries congratulated Mamdani on his “decisive primary victory,” confirming plans to speak with the presumptive nominee the day after his victory. However, the House Democratic leader did not formally endorse Mamdani.
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Mamdani, whose campaign energized supporters both in person and online, has suggested what conservatives view as radical proposals, including government-run grocery stores, free bus service, tuition-free city universities, rent freezes, and free childcare, among others.
Schumer and Jeffries did not respond to inquiries regarding their non-endorsements or their plans to support Mamdani in November.
Moderate New York Democrats, such as Sen. Kristen Gillibrand and Reps. Ritchie Torres, Adriano Espaillat, and Pat Ryan, have yet to endorse Mamdani as well. These congressional Democrats, along with Suozzi, did not respond when inquired about their endorsement plans.
Torres, who also endorsed Cuomo in the primary, has not backed Mamdani since his victory. Espaillat congratulated Mamdani on Wednesday but stopped short of endorsing him.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is seen at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Rep. Dan Goldman, who endorsed state Sen. Zellnor Myrie in the Democratic primary, has not yet endorsed Mamdani since his primary win and did not respond to inquiries regarding his intentions.
In contrast, veteran New York Democratic congressman Jerry Nadler offered clear support for Mamdani on Wednesday, likening his victory to that of President Barack Obama’s ascent.
“Zohran is someone who will work alongside me in Washington to address challenges head-on. I’ve discussed with him his dedication to opposing antisemitism, and we will unite with all New Yorkers against bigotry and hate,” Nadler commented, addressing accusations of Mamdani’s antisemitism related to the “Globalize the intifada” slogan.
Similar to Suozzi, New York Democrat Rep. Lauren Gillen declined to endorse Mamdani, stating on social media Wednesday, “Socialist Zohran Mamdani is too extreme to lead New York City.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
“His entire campaign has been founded on unattainable promises and increased taxes, which is the last thing New York needs. Additionally, Mr. Mamdani has advocated for defunding the police and has shown a troubling pattern of antisemitic remarks that incite hate during a time of rising antisemitism. He is not the right choice for New York.”
The media reached out to Mamdani for comments.
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Sources have confirmed that Cuomo is not withdrawing from the race. The former governor will retain the position he secured on the “Fight & Deliver” ballot line earlier this year. However, sources revealed that Cuomo has not yet decided whether he will actively campaign for the general election through the summer and fall.
Additionally, Mayor Eric Adams announced his re-election campaign on Thursday at New York City Hall. He has chosen to run as an independent amid low approval ratings and previously dropped federal corruption charges.
Former federal prosecutor Jim Walden is also running as an Independent, while Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa is set to be the Republican nominee in the upcoming mayoral election in November.
