House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries endorses Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor
NEW YORK − House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Zohran Mamdani , the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor.
The late endorsement by the powerful Brooklyn congressman in his own backyard marks a shift among mainstream Democrats towards corralling around Mamdani, a Queens state lawmaker and democratic socialist who won his party's primary against a host of more experienced candidates, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo . Mamdani has already been leading in polls by double digits.
"I deeply respect the will of the primary voters and the young people who have been inspired to participate in the electoral process," Jeffries said in a statement. "Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a Mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy."
Jeffries had signaled he would endorse a mayoral candidate before early voting beginning on Oct. 25. On Oct. 23, Jeffries praised Mamdani for wanting to keep New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, seen by establishment leaders as a steady hand in City Hall.
"This campaign has always been about bringing people together to improve the quality of life for every New Yorker," Mamdani said in a statement. "I welcome Leader Jeffries’ support and look forward to delivering a city government, and building a Democratic Party, relentlessly committed to our affordability agenda — and to fighting Trump’s authoritarianism."
Jeffries’ endorsement, less than two weeks before the Nov. 4 general election , is a blow to Cuomo, a moderate Democrat dragged down by ethical scandals now running as an independent. Already, Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani in mid-September, but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , also a Democrat from Brooklyn, still has not done so.
Eric Adams, the scandal-plagued outgoing mayor, had already dropped his long-shot reelection bid. On Oct. 23, Adams endorsed Cuomo as a bulwark against Mamdani. Cuomo and Adams have resorted to attacks against Mamdani 's Muslim faith in recent days. Mamdani would be the city's first Muslim mayor.
Candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference while campaigning outside a Subway station in New York City, April 1, 2025. Mamdani (D-NY) was announced as the winner of the Democratic nomination for mayor in a crowded field in the City’s mayoral primary to choose a successor to Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election on an independent ticket.
Polls show Mamdani leading the crowded field, which also features Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. High-ranking New York Democrats — with a few exceptions such as state Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul — had until recently skirted supporting Mamdani. The state's two senators, Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, have not endorsed in the race. Part of their reluctance has stemmed in part from Mamdani's sharp criticism of Israel and its siege of Gaza , which Mamdani has called a genocide.
Major players in New York City's powerful real estate and finance industries had come out against Mamdani and donated millions of dollars to political action committees opposing his candidacy.
This story has been updated with new information.
Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@usatoday.com or on Signal at emcuevas.01.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hakeem Jeffries endorses Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor
