Jeffries and Mamdani to meet in Brooklyn after mayoral primary win
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., recently discussed his decision not to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City. In an interview with Jonathan Karl on ABC’s “This Week,” Jeffries explained that he has not endorsed Mamdani because they do not know each other well and their districts do not overlap. However, he did acknowledge Mamdani’s focus on addressing the high cost of living in New York City and the economy.
Jeffries mentioned that he had a conversation with Mamdani to congratulate him on his campaign but emphasized that they still need to sit down and have a substantive discussion. The House minority leader stated that they have agreed to meet in central Brooklyn soon to further discuss Mamdani’s platform and vision for the city.
Despite not receiving Jeffries’ endorsement, Mamdani secured a victory in the Democratic mayoral primary, defeating prominent figures like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani’s win has exposed a divide within the Democratic Party, with top leaders withholding their endorsements.
Mamdani’s campaign has not been without controversy. His housing policy document proposes shifting the tax burden from overtaxed homeowners in outer boroughs to wealthier and predominantly white neighborhoods. Additionally, Mamdani’s anti-Israel positions, including support for the BDS movement and a pledge to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he visits the city, have drawn scrutiny.
In the upcoming general election, Mamdani will face Republican Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an Independent. The race for mayor of New York City has become a focal point for political observers, with Mamdani’s progressive platform and unconventional stances setting the stage for a heated campaign.
As the mayoral race unfolds, the decision of key figures like Hakeem Jeffries to withhold endorsements underscores the complexity and diversity of the Democratic Party. The upcoming election will test the viability of progressive policies and challenge the status quo in one of the nation’s most influential cities.
