A spokesperson for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) reacted to Senator Chris Van Hollen’s (D) criticism regarding New York Democrats’ support for mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani. The spokesperson remarked, “Chris Van Who?” after Van Hollen questioned why New York’s Democratic leaders hadn’t backed Mamdani.
Justin Chermol, the spokesman, mentioned that “Leader Hakeem Jeffries will discuss the general election before November 4th,” responding to Van Hollen’s comments. He added, “On the other hand, the bewildered New Yorker might ask: Who is Chris Van?”
The Hill reached out to Jeffries’ office for further comment and also contacted Van Hollen’s office regarding the spokesperson’s statement.
Van Hollen recently spoke at the Pork County Steak Fries in Des Moines, Iowa, showing his support for Mamdani as the New York mayoral election approaches.
Without directly mentioning Jeffries or Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Van Hollen criticized several Democrats from New York for not taking a stand in the mayoral race. He stated, “That kind of spineless politics is what makes people sick.” He urged them to “get behind him and do so now.”
Jeffries and Schumer previously congratulated Mamdani after his surprising victory in the Rank Choice Primary, which shocked many, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. However, both have yet to openly support Mamdani since then.
Schumer recently told reporters on Capitol Hill that they would “continue conversations.” Jeffries has also met with Mamdani twice since his recent win.
Van Hollen emphasized that Mamdani is committed to ensuring people can afford to live in proximity to their workplaces. “That should be our goal in New York City and other places across the U.S.,” he added, mentioning that “Donald Trump and the New York financial elite see that idea as a threat.”
Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary in June against a crowded field, notably outperformed Cuomo, who is now running independently.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) endorsed Mamdani, whereas Jeffries and Schumer have not yet voiced their support.
In a recent Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey, Mamdani was backed by 43% of respondents for the general election, while his main rivals—Cuomo, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and incumbent Eric Adams—garnered 28%, 10%, and 7%, respectively.
Mamdani’s lead comes amidst reports of President Trump’s Middle East Liaison meeting with Adams to discuss a possible job offer. If Adams accepts, it could reshape the mayoral race into a three-way contest among Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa. However, Adams confirmed his commitment to remain in the race as of September 5th.
During an August fundraiser, Cuomo expressed confidence that Trump and leading Republicans would help draw voters to his campaign, but he later distanced himself from any assertions that Trump wanted to join the mayoral race.
Trump commented on “Fox & Friends” this past Friday, suggesting he believes Mamdani is in a strong position to win.
Updated: 10:41am
