() Fresh off a resounding upset win in the New York City Democratic primary, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani met Wednesday morning with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and other Democrats at the National Democratic Club in Washington, D.C., as he works to build a broader political coalition ahead of the November general election.
Ocasio-Cortez has tried to rally support for Mamdani in the past months, even as he faces pushback from Republicans and some Democrats over his progressive viewpoints.
Mamdani meeting with top progressives in DC
During his visit to Washington, Mamdani met face-to-face with several top progressive lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich. and Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y. The meetings appeared to go well, with lawmakers praising his authenticity and focus on economic justice.
Similar to Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders has consistently praised Mamdani’s campaign, calling his willingness to challenge powerful interests essential for New York City.
“The fact he is prepared to take on the big money interest is (also) important,” Sanders said.
“He connected with people of New York. He understands that people are hurting on affordability issues,” Dingell said.
Velázquez echoed the sentiment.
“It is beautiful to have someone who is so authentic,” she said.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump emphasized the critiques many Republicans have with Mamdani’s progressive ideologies.
“In New York, we have a communist running he may get elected too, but he’ll destroy the city,” Trump said.
Mamdani’s platform
Mamdani, 33, previously served as a New York State assemblyman and is a self-proclaimed “democratic socialist.” He has called for fare-free transit, expanded public housing, rent freezes for people living in rent-regulated apartments and significant tax hikes on the wealthy, among other progressive policies.
Mamdani has also been an outspoken critic of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
His refusal to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada” has concerned politicians across the political spectrum. Some believe the phrase calls for violence against Jewish people, while others say it is merely a slogan of protest against Israel’s occupation of Gaza. However, Mamdani met with NYC business leaders Tuesday and told them he would discourage use of the phrase, according to The Wall Street Journal.
All of this comes amid rising levels of antisemitism in New York City and across the country.
What’s next for Mamdani?
Later this week, Mamdani has plans to meet with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., where he could face more questions about the controversial “globalize the intifada” slogan.
Jefferies has not yet issued an endorsement.
In November, Mamdani will face current Mayor Eric Adams, Republican Curtis Sliwa and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is now running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the primary.
Early polls show Mamdani leading over the other candidates.
“I think we are continuing to grow our coalition,” Mamdani said.
