House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries officially endorsed Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani for the New York City mayoral race on Friday, emphasizing their shared commitment to addressing the affordability crisis that affects the city’s residents. In a statement to The New York Times, Jeffries acknowledged their “areas of principled disagreement” but reinforced Mamdani’s focus on inclusivity and his intent to be a mayor for all New Yorkers, regardless of their political affiliations.
This endorsement marks a significant moment in the campaign, particularly given the circumstances surrounding Mamdani’s unexpected victory in June, where he clinched the Democratic nomination by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is now running as an independent candidate. Despite their differences, Jeffries expressed confidence in Mamdani’s vision for the city and the entire Democratic slate in the upcoming general election.
Jeffries had previously refrained from endorsing a candidate, noting the importance of having built a rapport with Mamdani. He highlighted their constructive dialogues focused on enhancing affordability in New York City as a priority, a sentiment echoed by other Democratic leaders as well. “That’s the right issue to focus on. It’s why he decisively won the primary,” he stated, indicating optimism about Mamdani’s approach.
As early voting approaches, Jeffries clarified that he had not refused to endorse anyone but was simply taking time to articulate his position. In past months, he faced scrutiny over his reluctance to back Mamdani, particularly amidst discussions about the candidate’s handling of contentious issues, including his response to criticisms from some members of the Jewish community regarding his stance on Palestine.
Amidst the varied reactions from Democratic leaders, New York Governor Kathy Hochul eventually endorsed Mamdani, aligning with the emphasis both leaders have placed on the affordability crisis while also addressing the need to confront rising antisemitism in the city.
Mamdani’s campaign is grounded in several ambitious promises, including a proposal to freeze rent for rent-stabilized units, make public buses free, and introduce a modest tax increase on the wealthiest New Yorkers. His candidacy has energized certain demographics within the city, aiming to create a more equitable New York.
The upcoming election promises to be a critical juncture for New York City, with affordability emerging as a pivotal issue among voters, making Mamdani’s campaign potentially transformative. The endorsement from Jeffries may boost Mamdani’s visibility and lend further credibility to his platform as the election approaches.