Raskin Compares Mamdani to FDR in New York Mayoral Race

Progressive Congressman Jamie Raskin from Maryland has made headlines by likening New York mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani to one of the most significant American presidents of the 20th century, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This comparison emerged late Tuesday afternoon as the voting was actively taking place for the city’s next mayor.

In a video funded by his congressional campaign, Raskin stood alongside Mamdani, asserting, “They were able to scare a lot of people by saying, ‘Oh, he’s a socialist.’ He’s a democratic socialist. He’s an FDR Democrat.” He further clarified that while some might argue Mamdani hasn’t achieved what Roosevelt did, he believes Mamdani harbors “Rooseveltian ambitions.”

Mamdani himself responded, calling the comparison “the best compliment you can receive.” Raskin referenced a 1936 speech by Roosevelt where the former president condemned what he called “the capitalist masters” and expressed his willingness to face their animosity.

In that speech, Roosevelt said, “We had to fight the sworn enemies of peace: business and financial monopolies, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, and war profits.” He emphasized the unity against him back then, noting, “They hate me in unison, and I welcome their hatred.”

Amidst the tumult of the New York mayoral race, Mamdani’s candidacy, with its openly socialist ideals, has not gone without controversy. Raskin’s endorsement signals Mamdani’s growing appeal within the progressive faction, despite pushback from Republicans and more centrist Democrats. Some in the party are still contemplating their stance on Mamdani’s campaign.

Just before early voting in New York City commenced, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries publicly backed Mamdani, following considerable pressure from the progressive side. In stark contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has remained silent on which candidate he supported during the election.

On the other hand, Representative Tom Suozzi expressed strong opposition to Mamdani, even endorsing his opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent.