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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has formally endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee in the New York City mayoral race, just days before the general election.
“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, D-N.Y., said in a statement on Friday (October 24). “In that spirit, I support him and the entire citywide Democratic ticket in the general election.”
Jeffries acknowledged that “there will be areas of agreement and areas of principled disagreement,” but said “the stakes are existential” amid the ongoing Trump administration.
The endorsement comes after Mamdani pulled off a stunning victory against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the June primary. Cuomo is now running an independent campaign against Mamdani and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in the November 4 general election.
In response to Jeffries' endorsement, 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.”
The progressive added that his movement to “turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas grows stronger by the day.”
Jeffries had previously declined to endorse, citing limited familiarity with Mamdani and concerns raised by some Jewish community members over his past remarks about Palestine and his refusal to condemn the phrase “Globalize the intifada.” Jeffries previously said Mamdani would need to show he is “prepared to aggressively address the rise in antisemitism” in New York City.
Mamdani’s campaign centers on tackling New York City’s affordability crisis, proposing a temporary rent freeze for rent-stabilized units, free city buses, and a 2 percent tax increase on the wealthiest New Yorkers.
Other top Democrats who have backed Mamdani include New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who noted their shared focus on affordability and the need to “combat the rise of antisemitism urgently and unequivocally.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not yet endorsed a candidate.
Recent polls show Mamdani holding a commanding lead ahead of the general election.
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