Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) endorsed Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, for the mayoral race in New York City on Tuesday, just a week before the primary election.
Sanders expressed in a social media post, “In this critical moment, the current state of politics isn’t enough. We need new leadership that stands up to corporate interests and advocates for the working class. Zoran Mamdani embodies that vision. He is the best candidate for NYC mayor.”
Mamdani’s endorsement by Sanders comes after a similar show of support from another prominent socialist, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). At 33, Mamdani, a Congressman from New York, is seen as a significant contender against former governor Andrew Cuomo (D).
In his statement, Sanders remarked, “Our nation is confronted with a fundamental choice. Will we allow politics to be driven by billionaires and corporate control, or will we foster a grassroots movement led by ordinary individuals, committed to combatting oligarchy, authoritarianism, and corrupt politics? The NYC Democratic primary presents a clear path forward.”
Ocasio-Cortez criticized Cuomo, 67, labeling him part of a “gerontocracy” in politics, calling it “unconscionable” for anyone to aspire to become mayor after Cuomo’s resignation amid harassment allegations in 2021.
Mamdani reacted to Sanders’ endorsement, referring to him as “the only political figure in my life.”
“Let’s not make any mistakes here. What’s at stake is significant,” Mamdani stated. “Andrew Cuomo represents the interests of the billionaire class that undermine our democracy and push the working class out of our city.”
Sanders’ endorsement contrasts with a Super PAC supporting Cuomo, which has released attack ads claiming it would be “too extreme” for Mamdani to win the mayorship.
Reports indicate that Cuomo is currently leading in polls ahead of the upcoming June 24 Democratic primary, having garnered backing from numerous elected officials and key unions. According to his campaign, he has also received late support from prominent Orthodox Jewish groups.
