Overview
- Hakeem Jeffries announced his support for Zohran Mamdani one day before early voting, saying he backs the entire Democratic citywide ticket.
- The move ends a months-long wait as Jeffries cites affordability and party unity against President Trump in explaining his decision.
- Jeffries’ deliberations had centered on concerns over Mamdani’s past Israel-related remarks and public safety, and he praised Mamdani’s plan to retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
- Mamdani remains the polling front-runner against independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, with Election Day set for Nov. 4.
- Republicans, including the NRCC, immediately attacked the endorsement as a national liability for Democrats, while Chuck Schumer has not endorsed even as Gov. Kathy Hochul and others have, and Eric Adams endorsed Cuomo on Thursday.