New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has gained backing from several prominent House members who had previously supported Andrew Cuomo during the Democratic primary, marking a notable shift in support on Thursday.
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), the chairman of the Hispanic Caucus in Congress, endorsed Mamdani, who unexpectedly defeated Cuomo, a frontrunner in major races.
Espaillat expressed his support, stating that New Yorkers “deserve a mayor who wakes up every day and fights for them.”
Another New York lawmaker emphasized that Mamdani brings clarity, commitment, and discipline necessary to tackle the pressing issues facing the city. He pointed out that without affordable living for everyday New Yorkers, the city wouldn’t function properly.
“From addressing the housing crisis to helping students who struggle with housing instability, Mamdani understands these challenges,” the lawmaker remarked.
Mamdani has mentioned that Espaillat stands on the “frontline” against the Trump administration, both sharing values that promote working and immigrant communities.
“Having lawmakers support us as we push for affordable cities is a significant honor,” he stated.
Espaillat is the latest addition to the list of New York Democrats backing Mamdani, though some others within the party have been slow to embrace the self-identified democratic socialist. His support has grown since his primary win last month.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the senior member of the New York Congressional Delegation, endorsed Mamdani shortly after the primary, having previously backed former City Secretary Scott Stringer.
Mamdani has also received endorsements from Lt. Col. Antonio Delgado, the chair of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Democrats, as well as New York City Council Speaker Adrian Adams, who opposed him in the primary.
However, several top New York Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have withheld their formal backing. They congratulated Mamdani on his electoral success but have not yet committed to supporting him officially.
