AOC endorses socialist Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral race
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, positioning him as a candidate who embodies progressive values and grassroots campaigning. Ocasio-Cortez praised Mamdani for his transformative vision for the city, highlighting his commitment to policies that support all New Yorkers, regardless of their economic background. Mamdani’s platform includes proposals for free city buses, rent control, and a meaningful tax increase on the wealthy.
Currently, Mamdani is polling second behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is seen as a more centrist Democrat. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of progressive unity for achieving significant change in the city and called on progressive voters to rally behind Mamdani to maximize their chances in the ranked-choice voting system.
Despite his strong support, Mamdani’s candidacy faces challenges, particularly his outspoken criticisms of Israel, which have sparked controversy within parts of the Jewish community. Nonetheless, he has gained traction among black and Latino working-class voters, narrowing Cuomo’s lead in areas where progressive policies resonate. The Democratic primary is set for June 24.
AOC endorses socialist Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral race
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) endorsed state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City, aligning the progressive left with a candidate who has built his campaign on grassroots support.
“Zohran doesn’t just speak truth to power—he organizes to build it from the ground up. His campaign isn’t just about policies, it’s about a vision for a city where every New Yorker, no matter their zip code, can thrive,” Ocasio-Cortez told the New York Times.
Polling shows that Mamdani, 33, who is campaigning on promises to make city buses free, freeze rent increases on rent-stabilized apartments, and implement a $10 billion tax hike on the wealthy, is polling second behind former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021.
Mamdani faces a huge rival in Cuomo, who leads in the polls as a more centrist Democrat. Ocasio-Cortez, a champion for left-wing causes, shared with the New York Times how crucial it is for progressive Democrats to rally behind Mamdani.
“If we want transformative change, we need a mayor who can reach beyond our base and bring others along with us,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “Zohran can be that bridge.”
Left-wing strategists stress that to win under the ranked choice system, it’s critical that progressive Democratic voters coalesce around aligned candidates early in their rankings — a strategy Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement helped advance. Both Ocasio-Cortez and the Working Families Party have closely aligned their ranked choices, having both ranked Mamdani at the top of their list.
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Mamdani has already reached the legal campaign fundraising limits, an indicator of the passionate backing he’s received from small-dollar donors across the city.
However, Mamdani’s candidacy is not without controversy. His vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where he has accused the Israeli government of committing genocide, has led to concerns among segments of the Jewish community.
Still, Mamdani has made inroads among black and Latino working-class communities, notably cutting into Cuomo’s early lead in neighborhoods where progressive policy priorities resonate most with voters.
The Democratic primary will be held on June 24.
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