Mamdani gains local endorsements even as some national Dems remain skeptical
Friday, Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and current state assemblyman, received the endorsement of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. The support from Richards, who supported Mayor Eric Adams last election cycle, underscores the growing consolidation of local Democratic forces behind Mamdani's candidacy.
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Richards dismissed criticisms of Mamdani's age and background, calling much of the rhetoric surrounding the candidate 'unfounded.'
Despite growing local support, Mamdani has yet to secure the backing of some high-profile national Democrats.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, for example, said Friday on CNBC that while conversations with Mamdani have been constructive, he still needs to demonstrate he can deliver on bold campaign promises like free public bus service and universal childcare.
'I appreciate those conversations, and they always focus on how we can deliver this affordability agenda,' Mamdani said.
Mayor Eric Adams said he is the one already delivering on affordability during an appearance on the PIX11 Morning News.
'People don't know we built the most affordable housing in individual years in the city's history,' Adams said. 'People don't know that low-income New Yorkers don't have to pay income tax, and that we've reduced the cost of childcare by 90 percent.'
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Meanwhile, Republican Curtis Sliwa — now also running on an independent animal welfare line — argued that he remains the only clear alternative.
'You have Zohran Mamdani, and then you have 'Diet Zohran' — which is Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams. They're all Democrats,' said Sliwa. 'I'm the Republican, and I'm the only one taking the high road on the issues that matter most to New Yorkers — regardless of their party.'
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo was not available for comment Friday, but did take questions Thursday. He has recently begun targeting Mamdani over his support for the decriminalization of sex work.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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