Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for New York City mayor, is pictured at a Bronx press event where Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie endorsed him on September 17, 2025. This significant Bronx political endorsement followed New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s public declaration of support for Mamdani in a New York Times op-ed.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
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Spencer Platt/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
In a notable development in the New York City mayoral contest, former Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly endorsed Zohran Mamdani. This endorsement stands out as many prominent Democrats have hesitated to support Mamdani, despite his overwhelming victory in the Democratic primary held in June.
During an MSNBC interview on Monday, Harris affirmed, “From my perspective, he is the Democratic nominee and deserves our backing.” However, she tempered expectations about his national prominence by adding, “He’s not the only rising figure.”
Mamdani, affiliated with the Democratic Socialist Party, has faced reluctance from party leaders partly due to his outspoken criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. His stance has sparked controversy within the party ranks.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, Mamdani declared his intention to have the NYPD detain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of international war crimes should Netanyahu visit New York City. “This is a commitment I plan to uphold,” Mamdani stated. This assertion comes in the wake of a United Nations commission’s report accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel vehemently denies.
Beyond foreign policy, Mamdani’s progressive economic proposals have also alienated some Democrats. His platform includes a rent freeze, universal childcare, and increased taxation on affluent individuals and corporations.
Representative Tom Suozzi, a centrist Democrat from Long Island, criticized Mamdani’s agenda, saying, “Socialism is ineffective, and his policies would undermine New York’s competitiveness as a city and state.” Suozzi has publicly declined to endorse Mamdani.
Conversely, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has voiced her support for Mamdani in a New York Times editorial, praising him as “a leader dedicated to making New York City more affordable – a mission I fully endorse.”
Mamdani has also garnered strong endorsements from progressive figures such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represents parts of the Bronx and Queens, and Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont.
However, two of New York’s most influential Democrats, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have yet to endorse Mamdani’s mayoral campaign.
Additionally, Jay Jacobs, chair of the New York State Democratic Party, issued a statement earlier this month refusing to support Mamdani, citing fundamental disagreements over Israel and other policy matters. Jacobs remarked, “I reject the platform of the so-called ‘Democratic Socialists of America’ as it does not align with the Democratic Party’s core principles, values, or policies.”
Polling data indicates Mamdani holds a substantial lead in the crowded mayoral race, which includes incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. A September 9 survey by the Siena Research Institute placed Mamdani at 46%, Cuomo at 24%, Sliwa at 15%, and Adams trailing at 9%.
Supporters of Mamdani have expressed frustration with party leaders who remain neutral. Following Jacobs’ refusal to endorse, State Senator Mike Gianaris condemned the decision as “disgraceful,” stating on social media platform X, “The Democratic Party chair refusing to back the candidate chosen by Democratic voters is unacceptable. If he won’t fulfill this basic duty, what is his role?”
