Jeffries on Supporting Mamdani’s Mayoral Campaign
House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has indicated that he will make a decision soon regarding his support for New York City’s Democratic mayoral hopeful, Zohran Mamdani.
“I hope to have something to share about the mayor’s race shortly. The governor is on board, and the council chair approves it. Plus, this weekend, my friend Rep. Yvette Clark from a neighboring Congressional District made her choice,” Jeffries stated.
“Everyone navigates their own timelines when making these decisions, and I’m in the same boat. So yes, the conclusion will come sooner rather than later,” he added.
In recent months, a number of prominent Democrats in New York have voiced their support for Mamdani, which has ramped up the pressure on both Jeffries and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Last week, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) criticized the lack of action from many New York Democrats in the Senate and House regarding the mayoral race. “Such spineless politics leaves people frustrated,” Van Hollen remarked. “They need to rally behind him—now.”
In response, Jeffries’ spokesperson, Justin Chelmoll, pushed back against Van Hollen. “Leader Hakeem Jeffries will discuss the general election well before November 4th,” he noted. “But it leaves the perplexed New Yorker wondering: Who is Chris Van?”
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Schumer mentioned he was still in discussions with Mamdani but didn’t elaborate on what was causing the delay.
Observers have noted that Mamdani’s left-leaning policies—such as proposals for rent freezes and increased taxes on the wealthy—along with his bold criticism of Israel, have led some more moderate Democrats to hesitate in endorsing him.
Last Sunday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) expressed her support for Mamdani at a New York Times event. Following that, New York State Assembly Chairman Carl Heastie endorsed him just two days later, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, along with Rep. Yvette Clark, backed him on Friday.
As of Monday, Mamdani was reportedly leading former Governor Andrew Cuomo by approximately 15 percentage points in polling, with the election looming about six weeks away.
