Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Endorses Zohran Mamdani in Delayed NYC Mayoral Support
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries announced on Thursday that he will endorse Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, ending a months‑long period of uncertainty about his backing. The endorsement comes as the city’s primary campaign intensifies, with candidates jockeying for support from progressive leaders and local constituencies.
According to sources familiar with the decision, Jeffries had initially refrained from endorsing Mamdani due to genuine policy disagreements and a desire to shield members of his battleground district from potential political fallout. Officials familiar with the deliberations said Jeffries wanted to ensure that his endorsement would not alienate key allies in neighborhoods where the mayoral contest is expected to be closely contested.
Progressive groups, which had pressed Jeffries for a clear stance, welcomed the endorsement as a signal of unity among left‑leaning factions. At the same time, other candidates in the race described the move as a strategic alignment that could shift the dynamics of the primary. Local party officials noted that Jeffries’ support could help Mamdani consolidate endorsements from other influential lawmakers and community leaders.
Zohran Mamdani, a former city council member and former presidential adviser, has positioned himself as a reform‑focused candidate emphasizing affordable housing, public transit improvements, and criminal‑justice reform. His platform resonates with younger voters and immigrant communities, and his campaign has highlighted a record of grassroots organizing. Analysts note that his prior runs for office have built name recognition that could be bolstered by Jeffries’ backing.
The endorsement is expected to influence fundraising and voter outreach efforts ahead of the upcoming primary. Campaign finance reports indicate that Mamdani’s coffers have grown modestly in recent weeks, and the added support may attract additional contributions from progressive donors who view Jeffries’ endorsement as a seal of credibility.
Political observers say the development underscores the importance of coalition‑building in a crowded field. While the endorsement does not guarantee a victory, it provides Mamdani with a broader platform to articulate his policies and may reshape the narrative of the race as voters head to the polls later this year.
