Mamdani, NYC mayoral front-runner, meets with Bernie Sanders and AOC in DC visit
The front-runner for New York City mayor talked campaign strategy and lessons from his primary upset. But not everybody's on board with his campaign.
WASHINGTON − New York City's mayoral front-runner and Democratic disruptor Zohran Mamdani hopped south July 16 to the nation's capital, as he looks to shore up the support of some wary party bigwigs.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old state lawmaker, declared victory in the New York Democratic primary in June, beating out well-known former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (who has since announced plans to run as an independent candidate).
His win was a stunning upset that reverberated beyond New York's five boroughs, with many openly questioning whether the success of a self-described democratic socialist spelled a left-leaning movement in the national party.
Nowhere are people more obsessed with the political eight ball than in Washington, where Mamdani was enjoying breakfast and kudos from congressional Democrats.
Mamdani "got an energetic and welcoming reception in DC this morning," Rep. Robert Garcia, D-California, wrote in a post July 16. "Proud of our Democratic nominee for NYC Mayor. Let’s win!"
Lawmakers spent the roughly two-hour meeting at a Washington restaurant talking campaign strategy and takeaways from Mamdani's success, Politico reported.
The meal was organized by fellow New Yorker and democratic socialist, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Mamdani was later seen laughing with progressive icon Sen. Bernie Sanders after a meeting with Democratic lawmakers.
Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders, emblematic of the party's left flank, each gave Mamdani their endorsement in the primary race.
"It's a wake-up call for the Democratic Party establishment, should they choose to listen," Stephanie Taylor, cofounder of Progressive Change Campaign Committee, told Paste BN in June.
"It's voters saying very clearly what they want and offering a direction for how the Democratic Party can start to win again."
Not everyone is cheering for the left-wing Cinderella story, though.
"Socialist Zohran Mamdani is too extreme to lead New York City," Rep. Laura Gillen, D-New York, said in a statement at the time of his win.
Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries − both New Yorkers − have also yet to endorse Mamdani. Politico reported Jeffries, who other outlets reported was not in attendance Wednesday, is waiting to meet with the nominee before extending official support.
Ocasio-Cortez called the intraparty division "disappointing," in speaking to reporters July 15.
"Democrats support the Democratic nominee," she said.
"For me, my principles are consistent. I supported Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2020," she added. After Joe Biden won the Democratic presidential primary that year, "I got behind our presidential nominee because I'm a Democrat and I believe that our party is stronger when we are united."
Contributing: Phillip M. Bailey and Deborah Berry, Paste BN