Hakeem Jeffries Considers Supporting Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor
Representative Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from Brooklyn and House minority leader, is reportedly weighing the possibility of endorsing leftist candidate Zohran Mamdani for mayor, according to sources on Sunday.
“Hakeem and I are having ongoing discussions with Mamdani. I think Patrick Gaspard will likely back him,” Pastor Al Sharpton mentioned to the Post.
Gaspard, who previously served as the South African ambassador and was once a senior advisor to President Barack Obama, has become a significant ally for Mamdani. Notably, Mamdani has garnered support from various district and business leaders, especially within the black community.
When questioned about his stance on the mayoral race during an appearance on Al Sharpton’s MSNBC show, Jeffries hinted at backing Mamdani. He noted, “As you pointed out, Governor Hochul was endorsed last Sunday. Mamdani’s approval is likely coming soon.”
Jeffries acknowledged that Mamdani has received strong endorsements, including from Yvette Clark, who leads the Black Caucus in Congress and is a close friend of his.
A source close to the situation indicated that Jeffries is leaning toward supporting Mamdani, but discussions are ongoing.
On another note, Senator Chuck Schumer has not yet expressed his position in the race, where incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, both Democrats, are now running as independents.
Mamdani’s rise has sparked a significant divide within the Democratic Party, highlighting tensions between progressive and moderate factions. This divide intensified last week after Jay Jacobs, chair of the Nassau County Democratic Party, publicly endorsed Hochul while dismissing Mamdani’s legitimacy as a candidate.
Jacobs stated, “Mamdani and I share a concern about income inequality in America, but we fundamentally disagree on solutions.” He further expressed his opposition to Mamdani’s views on Israel and other critical issues, declaring, “I cannot support this so-called democratic socialist platform, as it does not align with genuine Democratic principles.”
