Kamala Harris praises Zohran Mamdani, Jasmine Crockett as ‘stars’ of the Democrat Party

Former vice president Kamala Harris has praised Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as rising “stars” within the Democratic Party.

Speaking on Thursday on Jon Stewart’s podcast “The Weekly Show,” Harris said the party should embrace its rising figures.

“We have so many stars in our party, there are so many stars, and let's not be afraid of them,” she said. 

Harris went on to describe Mamdani as “exciting,” applauding individuals who “otherwise don’t think of themselves as being aligned or a part or even seen by the system.” She later mentioned Crockett by name, reiterating that the Democratic Party has “so many stars.”

The remarks come as the party faces an identity crisis following the 2024 election, with no clear leader emerging. Both Mamdani and Crockett have drawn support from the left but also controversy from many critics. Mamdani, currently leading the New York City mayoral race, has called for a number of socialist policies, including defunding the police, banning all guns, freezing rent, and creating government-owned grocery stores. Crockett has been criticized for mocking Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s disability by calling him “Governor Hot Wheels,” attacking Florida representative Byron Donalds’ interracial marriage, and comparing President Trump to Adolf Hitler.

Harris is currently promoting her memoir 107 Days, which included details of her “Stars Project,” a series of “secret” White House meetings she hosted to mentor and promote promising Democrats. The project included Crockett, along with Representatives Lauren Underwood, Lateefah Simon, Maxwell Frost, and Robert Garcia. Harris told the representatives, “I think you’re very talented. What are you working on, and how can I help you?"

Crockett previously spoke about one of her meetings with Harris at the Democratic National Convention last year, recalling the then-vice president telling her, “You are exactly where God wants you. Your district chose you because they believe in you, and so do I."