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Zohran Mamdani’s Primary Election Watch Party in NYC
Zohran Mamdani shares a moment with his parents, Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair, along with his wife, Rama Duwaji, during a watch party for his primary election campaign to become the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City in the upcoming November 2025 election, held on June 25, 2025. — Reuters
- Top Democrats show reluctance to back Mamdani.
- Trump threatens to withdraw federal funding if Mamdani wins.
- Mamdani clarifies his pro-Palestinian remarks.
New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani defended his democratic socialist ideals on Sunday, asserting that his emphasis on economic challenges sets a blueprint for the Democratic Party, even as some prominent Democrats hesitate to endorse him.
In an interview with NBC’s "Meet the Press," Mamdani expressed that his proposal to increase taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and corporations aims to fund expansive policies, including free bus services, a $30 minimum hourly wage, and rent stabilization—realistic measures designed to support the city’s working-class population.
"This is the wealthiest city in the wealthiest country in the history of the world. Yet, one in four New Yorkers lives in poverty, and many others experience ongoing anxiety," he told NBC’s Kristen Welker.
Mamdani’s unexpected win against former Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo in the recent primary has raised concerns among some party leaders that his socialist views might provide ammunition for Republican criticism of Democrats as excessively liberal ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Business executives have also voiced their worries about his proposed policies.
Following a significant defeat in the November elections that restored President Donald Trump to the White House and granted Republicans control of both Congressional chambers, Democrats have struggled to articulate a unified message.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that most Democrats believe the party needs fresh leadership and should prioritize economic issues.
On Sunday, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, representing part of New York City, stated on ABC’s "This Week" that he was not yet ready to endorse Mamdani, saying he needed more clarity on Mamdani’s vision.
Other influential New York Democrats, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have also refrained from backing Mamdani so far.
Trump, a New York native, warned on Fox News Channel’s "Sunday Morning Futures" that if Mamdani secures the mayoral position, "he better do the right thing," or else Trump would cut federal aid to the city. "He’s a communist. This could be detrimental to New York," he claimed.
When asked about Trump’s characterization of him as a communist, Mamdani denied the accusation and suggested that Trump was attempting to detract from his own failure to support "the very working people he initially vowed to empower."
Mamdani also dismissed concerns regarding the lack of endorsements from Jeffries and other Democrats. "I think people are starting to understand the significance of this election," he stated. "By prioritizing working individuals and returning to the roots of the Democratic Party, we can navigate the current wave of authoritarianism in Washington, D.C."
His critical stance on Israel’s actions during the Gaza conflict distinguishes him from many mainstream Democrats. This has led some to allege antisemitism, which Mamdani has vehemently rejected. Earlier this month, during an appearance on The Bulwark podcast, he refrained from denouncing the pro-Palestinian phrase "globalize the intifada," which some perceive as a call to violence.
Jeffries emphasized on ABC that Mamdani needs to "clarify his stance" on this phrase to reassure Jewish constituents in New York.
When pressed further on Sunday, Mamdani stated he does not use that particular language, yet opted not to condemn it, arguing against imposing restrictions on acceptable speech, criticizing Trump for targeting pro-Palestinian activists.
"We must eradicate bigotry, which we can achieve through our actions," he remarked.
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, initially elected as a Democrat, is running as an independent in November, following the dismissal of corruption allegations against him by Trump’s Justice Department, prompting accusations of a quid pro quo that he has denied. The Republican candidate is Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, while independent lawyer Jim Walden is also in the race.
Cuomo has yet to decide whether he will continue to run as an independent.
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