House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has thrown his weight behind democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani's mayoral bid, but Republicans are quick to pounce on what they see as a potential liability.
In a statement released just hours before early voting began in New York City, Jeffries expressed support for Mamdani's citywide Democratic ticket, citing the candidate's focus on affordability. However, he also acknowledged "areas of principled disagreement" with Mamdani, signaling that not all Democrats are fully behind their nominee.
The move is a significant endorsement from a key player in the party, and it's likely to have some impact on voters who start early voting on Saturday. Mamdani won the Democratic primary by a landslide in June, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo who remains an independent candidate in the general election.
Despite the late endorsement, Jeffries' statement is not expected to sway many undecided voters given the short campaign period remaining. However, it may reassure some moderate Democrats who had been hesitant to back Mamdani due to his left-leaning platform on issues like free buses and universal childcare.
Republicans wasted no time in criticizing Mamdani's policies, with Rep. Mike Lawler accusing Democratic leaders of backing a candidate who "would prove to be one of the best things to ever happen to our great Republican Party." Lawler's tweet was a clear attempt to tie Mamdani to the party and potentially sully the reputation of Democratic candidates in swing districts.
The endorsement comes as Democrats battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives, where the GOP currently holds a razor-thin majority. Republicans have already begun linking Mamdani to Democratic candidates across the country, highlighting the potential risks of backing a candidate who may alienate moderate voters.
As the election nears, it remains to be seen whether Jeffries' endorsement will pay off for Mamdani or if it will ultimately prove a liability.
In a statement released just hours before early voting began in New York City, Jeffries expressed support for Mamdani's citywide Democratic ticket, citing the candidate's focus on affordability. However, he also acknowledged "areas of principled disagreement" with Mamdani, signaling that not all Democrats are fully behind their nominee.
The move is a significant endorsement from a key player in the party, and it's likely to have some impact on voters who start early voting on Saturday. Mamdani won the Democratic primary by a landslide in June, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo who remains an independent candidate in the general election.
Despite the late endorsement, Jeffries' statement is not expected to sway many undecided voters given the short campaign period remaining. However, it may reassure some moderate Democrats who had been hesitant to back Mamdani due to his left-leaning platform on issues like free buses and universal childcare.
Republicans wasted no time in criticizing Mamdani's policies, with Rep. Mike Lawler accusing Democratic leaders of backing a candidate who "would prove to be one of the best things to ever happen to our great Republican Party." Lawler's tweet was a clear attempt to tie Mamdani to the party and potentially sully the reputation of Democratic candidates in swing districts.
The endorsement comes as Democrats battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives, where the GOP currently holds a razor-thin majority. Republicans have already begun linking Mamdani to Democratic candidates across the country, highlighting the potential risks of backing a candidate who may alienate moderate voters.
As the election nears, it remains to be seen whether Jeffries' endorsement will pay off for Mamdani or if it will ultimately prove a liability.
he's got a good shot at the mayoral seat, affordability matters to people and he's focusin on it 
Mamdani might not be for everyone but who cares? we gotta have some representation that actually understands what everyday ppl need 
and btw, lawler's tweet is just laughable 
think he's tryin to take away mamdani's wins from the repubs? please 
, this is crazy! I mean, you got Hakeem Jeffries backing Zohran Mamdani all of a sudden, and Republicans are already trash-talking him online 
I MEAN, WHO DOESN'T WANT FREE BUSSES AND UNIVERSAL CHILD CARE?! 
IT'S NOT LIKE MAMDAANI IS TRYING TO TAKE AWAY EVERYTHING FROM REPUBLICANS... HE'S JUST TRYING TO MAKE NEW YORK CITY A BETTER PLACE FOR EVERYONE! 
AND YET, DEMOCRATS ARE STILL BEING CAUTIOUS ABOUT HIM? 
WHAT'S THE POINT OF EVEN HAVING A PRIMARY IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BACK YOUR CANDIDATE 100%?! 
. But the thing is, some people might actually believe that stuff about free buses and universal childcare 
. It's like, yeah, those things sound nice, but do they add up to a whole lot? And what about the cost? I'm not saying Mamdani can't make it work, but he needs to convince voters that it won't break the bank 
️?
. It's like, if you're endorsing someone with big policy differences, it might give voters a reason to question whether all Democrats are on board 
. And those Republicans are gonna make hay out of this for sure 
. Can't say I'm feeling super confident about Mamdani's chances in the general election 
. The fact that they're still debating about this is actually kinda cool 
. but at the same time, i can see why republicans would try to make him out to be a liability 
. mamdani seems like a really cool candidate tho 
, i'm rooting for him all the way 
