House Democrat rips Zohran Mamdani as ‘too extreme to lead New York City’

A recent development in New York City’s mayoral race has sparked controversy among Democratic officials. Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the presumptive Democratic nominee for mayor, is facing criticism from moderate House Democrat Rep. Laura Gillen of New York.

Gillen, who unseated former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito in the 2024 elections, expressed concerns about Mamdani’s platform, labeling him as “too extreme” to lead the city. She highlighted Mamdani’s advocacy for defunding the police and raised alarms about his alleged antisemitic comments, which she believes could fuel hate at a time when antisemitism is on the rise.

Mamdani’s victory in the first round of New York City’s ranked-choice voting primary tally came as a surprise to many, as he outperformed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Despite Cuomo’s announcement to withdraw from the primary, he has not ruled out running as an independent candidate in the upcoming race.

In response to Gillen’s criticism, Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have acknowledged Mamdani’s strong campaign and his focus on addressing economic issues in the city. Both leaders have expressed support for Mamdani’s efforts to connect with New Yorkers on matters of affordability and opportunity.

As the mayoral race in New York City intensifies, Mamdani’s campaign has been contacted for a response to Gillen’s remarks. The controversy surrounding Mamdani’s candidacy underscores the divisions within the Democratic Party and the challenges of navigating progressive policies in a diverse political landscape.

The unfolding drama in New York City’s mayoral race serves as a reminder of the complexities of urban governance and the need for thoughtful leadership in addressing the city’s pressing issues. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving political saga.

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Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, specializing in coverage of the House of Representatives. Her work has been featured in publications such as the Daily Mail and CBS News. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and reach out to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com with any tips or inquiries.