Fetterman Critiques Mamdani’s Mayoral Campaign
Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has criticized Zohran Mamdani, the leading candidate for mayor of New York City, calling him “not even a Democrat.” Fetterman expressed his disagreement with Mamdani’s political views, stating, “Everything I read about him, I don’t agree with virtually any of it politically.”
In Fetterman’s opinion, Mamdani, who represents the Socialist movement in Queens, doesn’t align with traditional Democratic values. “That’s where I’m a Democrat. He’s honestly not even a Democrat,” he remarked.
Despite Mamdani’s surprising win over former governor Andrew Cuomo in the recent Democratic primary, Fetterman suggested that this result doesn’t indicate a shift to the left among Democratic voters nationally. He referred to it as the “GOP’s July Christmas,” implying that it could serve Republican interests.
Mamdani has proposed progressive ideas on the campaign trail, including eliminating bus fares, offering free community college tuition, freezing rent prices, and providing taxpayer-funded childcare and grocery access. Still, Fetterman argued that Mamdani’s victory is “not an accurate reflection of voters.”
Fetterman pointed out that New York City is quite distinct from battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, or Nevada, saying, “It’s definitely not Pennsylvania, not Wisconsin, not Nevada. Looking at any of the states on the battlefield, New York City is not really related to the kind of state that decides it in 2028.”
He labeled Mamdani a “gift to the Republican Party,” noting that while it may aid in their campaign strategy, it doesn’t offer any substantial lessons or insights. “There’s no special kind of insight. For New York City, politically, it’s a mirror of the political reality and the circus of our country’s politics,” he added.
The upcoming general election features a crowded field, with Mamdani positioned as a formidable candidate alongside independent former governor Andrew Cuomo, independent former federal prosecutor Jim Walden, and current mayor Eric Adams. Curtis Sliwa, co-founder of the Guardian Angels, is running as the Republican candidate for mayor of New York City.
