Bernie Sanders endorses socialist Mamdani in NYC mayoral primary against Cuomo

Rising democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who is running for New York City mayor, has received a significant endorsement from former presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. This endorsement comes as Mamdani aims to challenge former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming mayoral race.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York state assembly member, has also garnered the support of progressive leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, solidifying his position as the preferred candidate for the Left. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez recently participated in a nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” advocating for policies aligned with Mamdani’s platform.

In a statement, Sanders praised Mamdani’s grassroots campaign and highlighted his commitment to affordable housing, rent freeze, free public buses, support for small businesses, mental health services, city-owned grocery stores, universal childcare, and minimum wage increase. Sanders emphasized that Mamdani’s agenda would be funded by taxing the wealthiest New Yorkers and small-dollar donations, contrasting it with the corporate-backed campaigns of establishment candidates like Cuomo.

Mamdani, who immigrated to the U.S. from Uganda at a young age, expressed gratitude for Sanders’ endorsement, acknowledging the senator’s influence on his political journey. He pledged to fight for the working class and make Brooklyn proud if elected as mayor.

With progressive candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, Sanders’ endorsement of Mamdani aims to unite progressive voters behind a single candidate to prevent Cuomo’s return to power. Other progressive contenders in the race include New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who has endorsed Cuomo but continues her campaign.

The 2021 mayoral race mirrors the divisions among progressive voters that led to Eric Adams’ victory in the previous election. Adams, now running for re-election as an independent candidate, capitalized on the lack of unity among progressives four years ago.

Early voting began on Saturday, with Election Day scheduled for June 24. Sanders’ endorsement adds momentum to Mamdani’s campaign, positioning him as a formidable challenger to Cuomo in the upcoming primary.

Sanders’ long-standing commitment to progressive values and grassroots activism aligns with Mamdani’s platform, making the endorsement a significant boost for the rising democratic socialist candidate. As Mamdani continues to gain support from influential figures on the Left, the mayoral race in New York City promises to be a closely watched contest between progressive ideals and establishment politics.