Democrat politicians jump on Zohran Mamdani's socialist bandwagon after primary win

State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani's win in the NYC Democrat mayoral primary was a shock to outsiders who didn't believe that a socialist policy platform could woo the voters of America's biggest city. But after he took 43% of the vote, forcing former Governor Andrew Cuomo to concede, other Democrat politicians rushed in to congratulate him or at least to indicate that they didn't oppose him or his platform.

Thes are just a few of the folks who back Mamdani's plans for city-run grocery stores, free buses, free childcare, community policing, community schools, making New York a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ kids, freezing rent while "cracking down" on landlords, and interfering with federal agents working to deport illegal immigrant criminals, among other socialist policy plans.

Mamdani has said that he believes his platform would be beneficial for the nation and for Democrats running across the country. President Donald Trump called him a "communist lunatic." Cuomo is believed to be on the verge of dropping out of the mayoral race altogether after his loss, leaving Mamdani to face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa in the November general election.

Former President Bill Clinton, who endorsed his former aide Cuomo in the primary, said, "Congratulations Zohran Mamdani on your victory in yesterday’s primary election and a well-run campaign. I’m wishing you much success in November and beyond as you work to bring New Yorkers together to tackle the city’s challenges and shape a stronger, fairer future."

"Today, voters made their voices heard, demanding a more affordable, more livable New York City. I hear them loud and clear," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. She indicated that she'd not ready to fully endorse him as yet, offering worry that his plan to tax the 1%—some 345,000 New York City dwellers who earn over $1 million per year—could be damaging to the city should that tax base leave town.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Mamdani in the race, posted a video of herself giving him a great big hug after the win.
 

House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said, "Congratulations to Zohran Mamdani on a decisive primary victory. Assemblyman Mamdani ran a strong campaign that relentlessly focused on the economy and bringing down the high cost of living in New York City."

"I have known Zohran Mamdani since we worked together to provide debt relief for thousands of beleaguered taxi drivers & fought to stop a fracked gas plant in Astoria. He ran an impressive campaign that connected with New Yorkers about affordability, fairness, & opportunity," said Senator minority leader and New York Senator Chuck Schumer. "I spoke with Zohran Mamdani this morning and am looking forward to getting together soon."

"Congratulations on winning the New York City Democratic mayoral primary on last night’s election. Affordability continues to be the leading issue across NYC for the families who call our city home," said Adriano Espaillat, representing New York's 13th district. 

Rep. Grace Meng said, "Congratulations to Zohran Mamdania & his team on running a powerful campaign that built coalitions & mobilized underrepresented New Yorkers! I look forward to discussing his plans for our city & how they will address the challenges faced by my constituents & all NYC families."

Brooklyn Democratic Party Boss Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who backed Adams and then Cuomo, endorsed Mamdani following the win, saying, "Zohran Mamdani campaigned on making our city more affordable, a message that resonated with voters, who decisively chose him tonight. I support Mamdani in the general election. To everyone who had reservations, I ask you to put them aside in this moment and come together..."