Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and New York State Assemblyman, has secured a significant endorsement in the upcoming New York City mayoral race from veteran state Senator John Liu. This endorsement comes despite stark disagreements between the two over Israel. Liu acknowledged their differing views on Israel and the Jewish community but supported Mamdani for his integrity and grassroots campaign.
Mamdani, known for backing the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, avoided directly addressing controversial positions during the announcement, instead emphasizing his commitment to nonviolence and unity. He proposed establishing a department of community safety to combat hate crimes and antisemitism, noting rising incidents of both antisemitic and Islamophobic violence in the city.
Liu praised Mamdani’s independence from major donors, highlighting his ability to build a campaign rooted in community support. However, Mamdani’s candidacy remains divisive; his past remarks on Israel’s conflict with Hamas have drawn criticism and allegations of antisemitism. Over the weekend, Jaspreet Singh, a prominent Sikh leader, endorsed Andrew Cuomo instead, condemning Mamdani’s rhetoric as offensive and divisive toward various communities.
Mamdani’s campaign has also received the endorsement of the Working Families Party (WFP), which ranked him first in their ranked-choice voting endorsement. The WFP’s endorsement positions Mamdani as a strong contender in the Democratic primary, aiming to challenge former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s lead. A recent Emerson College poll showed Mamdani with 23% support, trailing Cuomo’s 35%, but remaining competitive in the race.
As the June 24 primary approaches, Mamdani’s campaign is gaining momentum, with endorsements from progressive groups and a growing base of support. His platform focuses on affordability, housing, and transit, aiming to address the challenges facing working-class New Yorkers. However, his stance on Israel continues to be a point of contention, potentially influencing voter perceptions in the diverse city.
