Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has expressed his support for Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral election, offering the progressive candidate some significant backing as he seeks to unite the Democratic base behind him.
During an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” Khanna described Mamdani as “a very charismatic and friendly person” and noted that he has focused on issues like the cost of living in New York. He also mentioned, rather casually, that he hasn’t made a decision about running for president in 2028, a point he touched on at the Hillnation Summit.
In New York, some California lawmakers have faced criticism over discussions about possibly arresting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their visit.
While Khanna acknowledged that he doesn’t always see eye to eye with Mamdani, he emphasized the need for Democrats to adopt a more centrist approach that better reflects the interests of working-class Americans, advocating for increased wages and a more economically focused agenda. He suggested that it’s natural for allies to have differing viewpoints.
This endorsement follows a breakfast meeting hosted by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) where Mamdani sought to gain traction among House Democrats after his surprising victory in the mayoral primary last month.
The response from attendees was generally positive, with many appreciating Mamdani’s efforts. However, some remarked that the meeting felt more like a session on effective communication strategies than outright support for his candidacy.
Mamdani is slated to meet with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in the near future.
He has recently garnered endorsements from key figures including Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.).
In a related development, Cuomo announced on Monday that he would run as an independent in the general election and urged other candidates to reconsider their participation to maximize the chance of defeating Mamdani, a decision that will hinge on September’s outcomes. Notably, Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa have not been receptive to calls for them to withdraw from the race to bolster opposition against Mamdani.
