Zohran Mamdani Reacts to Report Trump Could Get Involved in NYC Race

Newsweek

13 hours ago

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Democratic mayoral primary winner and New York state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani reacted to a report from The New York Times on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is weighing the possibility of getting involved in the New York City mayoral race.
Newsweek reached out to Mamdani's campaign via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The possibility of Trump intervening in New York City's closely watched mayoral race has injected a new level of uncertainty into an already tumultuous contest. With Mamdani, a democratic socialist, securing the Democratic nomination, his progressive platform has become a lightning rod for national and local political forces.
The added element of Trump, a polarizing figure in New York, considering involvement could reshape alliances, influence voter turnout and have implications for the broader 2026 midterm cycle. Analysts note that the outcome of this race may serve as a litmus test for the future direction of Democratic politics in major American cities and the role of high-profile national figures in local campaigns.
What To Know
According to the Times report, citing eight people briefed on discussions, the president has privately considered if he should get involved, with the goal of blocking Mamdani from securing a win.
Trump has spoken to pollster Mark Penn and former New York City Council President Andrew Stein about polling that shows former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo being Mamdani's strongest competitor in the race, the Times reports.
Cuomo and Trump have directly spoken as well, the outlet says, citing three people. It is unknown who initiated the call or what was discussed.
Reacting to the report, Mamdani said, "This should be a race about addressing the questions of who will make the city affordable, who will ensure that each and every New Yorker is safe ... not an audition for the best jester for Donald Trump and his billionaire supporters," Politico reporter Emily Ngo posted to X on Wednesday.
Mamdani also posted the Times article on X, formerly Twitter.
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks at a news conference on the victims of the Midtown shooting on July 30 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks at a news conference on the victims of the Midtown shooting on July 30 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Recent polling shows Mamdani leading in a four-way race versus Cuomo, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. In a two-way race, Cuomo and Mamdani are closer and within the margin of error.
The Times reports that Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said the former governor and Trump "have not spoken in a while," but did not elaborate on the time frame.
"As far as I know, they have not discussed the race," he added. Newsweek also reached out to Cuomo's campaign via email Wednesday evening.
What People Are Saying
Mamdani posted to X on Wednesday: "Today we learned Andrew Cuomo is directly coordinating with Donald Trump, even as this President sends masked agents to rip our neighbors off the streets and guts the social services so many New Yorkers rely on. It's disqualifying and a betrayal of our city."
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who also ran for mayor, posted to X on Wednesday: "Hey @andrewcuomo: Is it true that you spoke to Donald Trump about clearing the right-wing lane for you? When? What did you promise him in return? New Yorkers deserve to know."
New York Democratic U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted to X on Wednesday: "NYers knew Andrew Cuomo was backed by Trump's orbit. That's why he lost the primary. Now we have confirmation. It's time for Dem leaders to unite behind @ZohranKMamdani. If they don't now, how can they call for party unity later? We must lead by example. Let's win together."
What Happens Next
It remains uncertain whether Trump will intervene publicly or endorse a candidate in the mayoral race.
City political dynamics and Trump's well-documented unpopularity among New York's Democratic voters suggest an intervention by the president may have unpredictable consequences for all sides.