House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., formally endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor on Friday, ending months of speculation over whether the top House Democrat would back the Democratic Socialist candidate, as reported by The New York Post.
In a statement to The New York Times, Jeffries confirmed his support for Mamdani less than two weeks before the November 4 election, noting that the two share some disagreements but stressing the need for party unity.
“Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy,” Jeffries said.
Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Mamdani for N.Y.C. Mayor
Democrats have buckled to the far left Socialists. They are selling out The People’s democracy and their integrity just to stay in power.
This is Not America ! pic.twitter.com/EYSzk8K8mV
— Freedom is not free 🇺🇸 (@MSGFreedom) October 24, 2025
He added that Democrats must unite in the face of what he called an “existential” threat from President Donald Trump.
Jeffries’ endorsement follows months of hesitation from Democratic leaders to embrace Mamdani, a 34-year-old New York assemblyman and member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
His unexpected primary victory in June exposed divisions within the party between the establishment and its progressive wing.
The Brooklyn congressman signaled Thursday that an endorsement was imminent. During an appearance on Rev. Al Sharpton’s radio program Keepin’ It Real, Jeffries said, “I do hope to talk to the Democratic nominee either late today or tomorrow, in advance of early voting.”
Jeffries highlighted Mamdani’s decision to retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected, calling it “a positive step in the right direction” and “a strong step toward community trust and public safety.”
He told Bloomberg Television that Mamdani’s position showed “a willingness to work with all New Yorkers to make the city more affordable and inclusive.”
Governor Kathy Hochul followed a similar timeline before endorsing Mamdani in September.
Initially withholding her support after his primary win over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Hochul cited shared priorities such as affordability and safety in a New York Times op-ed announcing her endorsement.
Other key Democrats have remained silent. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has not endorsed Mamdani, and Mayor Eric Adams threw his support behind Cuomo on Thursday. Sharpton, while appearing alongside Mamdani at a June rally in Harlem, has not made an official endorsement.
Republicans have seized on the endorsement to criticize Jeffries and his party’s ties to the far-left candidate. “Are there any moderate Democrats left?” New York GOP Chair Ed Cox said in a statement.
Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) bends the knee to the communist wing of the Democrat Party and finally endorses communist Zohran Mamdani for mayor of NYC.
The Democrat Party is officially the party of communism.
What could go wrong? pic.twitter.com/zWyl7uEQLD
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) October 24, 2025
“Every elected Democrat — in New York and nationally — must answer this question: do you stand with Zohran Mamdani or do you stand with the principles upon which our republic was founded?”
Jeffries’ endorsement solidifies Mamdani’s growing backing among state and national Democratic figures as early voting begins Saturday.
