Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, is gaining significant endorsements from party leaders as concerns mount over President Donald Trump’s attempts to influence the race. Mamdani, a state assemblyman and democratic socialist, secured the Democratic primary victory in June 2025, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is now running as an independent.
Prominent Democrats, including Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Congressman Pat Ryan of New York, have formally endorsed Zohran Mamdani. Congressman Raskin, a leading figure in countering President Donald Trump’s influence, praised Mamdani as a “significant and inspiring leader” with a “Rooseveltian” vision, comparing him to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his commitment to the working and middle classes. Ryan, motivated by his opposition to former New York Governor and Mayoral Candidate Andrew Cuomo, described Mamdani as a candidate “for the people,” contrasting him with Cuomo’s self-serving record. Even moderates within the Democratic party such as former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and New York Congressman Ritchie Torres have expressed support. Emanuel, after meeting Mamdani, noted his preparedness to govern effectively, while Torres called him “impressively knowledgeable and substantive.” Left-leaning Democrats, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and members of Congress such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pramila Jayapa, and Jerrold Nadler, have also backed Mamdani, citing his focus on cost-of-living issues.
Despite Zohran Mamdani’s primary win, some top New York Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Governor Kathy Hochul, have not yet endorsed him. Schumer met with Mamdani recently but declined to commit, while Jeffries indicated he would soon clarify his stance. Hochul emphasized the need for pragmatic governance, reflecting her “staunch capitalist” perspective, given New York City’s role as a global financial hub.
President Donald Trump’s efforts to tilt the race toward Andrew Cuomo, including offering positions to Mayor Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to drop out, have galvanized Democrats. Party members across the ideological spectrum are urging unity to counter Trump’s influence. Congressman Jamie Raskin stressed the importance of Democratic solidarity, saying, “Democrats must stand together to defend not only our party but our constitution and our country.” Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoed this, emphasizing the party’s responsibility to support its nominees post-primary.
Some moderate Democrats, like Conresswoman Laura Gillen and Conressman Tom Suozzi from Long Island, worry that Zorhran Mamdani’s progressive stance could harm the party in the 2026 midterms by fueling Republican narratives painting Democrats as socialists. However, Mamdani’s strong lead in recent polls, particularly among young voters, suggests his appeal could energize the Democratic base. A New York Times/Siena University poll showed him commanding the race, a critical factor as Democrats seek to regain ground lost to Donald Trump in 2024.
Since his nomination, Zohran Mamdani has engaged in extensive outreach, meeting with figures like former President Barack Obama and Rahm Emanuel to discuss governance and policy priorities. His ability to connect with both moderates and progressives has impressed many, with Emanuel noting his readiness to “hit the ground running” and Torres praising his intellectual rigor.
As the mayoral race enters its final stretch, Zohran Mamdani’s campaign is gaining momentum, but the lack of endorsements from key New York Democrats remains a challenge. Meanwhile, Republicans, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, are using Mamdani’s candidacy to attack Democrats nationwide. Despite this, supporters like Congressman Jamie Raskin remain steadfast, advocating for party unity: “When progressives beat moderates in the primary, we want the moderates to support the progressives in the general election.”
