Hakeem Jeffries Confirms Meeting with NYC Mayoral Nominee Amidst Election Turmoil

The New York City mayoral race is heating up as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries navigates the shifting political landscape. With three registered Democrats competing for the position, Jeffries has stated he currently has no plans to meet with former Governor Andrew Cuomo or Mayor Eric Adams. The Democratic nominee, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, has yet to secure the endorsement of prominent party figures.

Jeffries’ Commitment to the Democratic Nominee

Support for Mamdani

Earlier this month, Jeffries reiterated his commitment to back the Democratic candidate, expressing unwavering support in an interview where he replied affirmatively when asked about his commitment: “Yes.” In a recent announcement, he confirmed a meeting with Mamdani scheduled for the end of the week in Brooklyn.

“I haven’t had a conversation with Eric Adams or Andrew Cuomo since the primary,” Jeffries stated during a press conference, indicating a clear distancing from these influential figures.

However, he expressed concerns regarding some of Mamdani’s views, particularly his stance on Israel, raising questions about party unity as the election approaches.

Political Liability Concerns

When asked if he believes Mamdani’s candidacy might pose a political risk for the Democratic Party, Jeffries skillfully sidestepped the issue, shifting focus to broader political circumstances. He noted:

“Donald Trump is a gift to Democratic prospects in Virginia, New Jersey, and in the midterm elections next year.”

This response highlights the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party as they prepare for the general election.

The Race Heats Up with Cuomo’s Announcement

Cuomo’s recent entry into the race complicates the political landscape, particularly since Adams has opted for an independent campaign after skipping the Democratic primary. Cuomo’s announcement reaffirmed his commitment to winning the election, addressing supporters via a video message on X:

• Cuomo’s Key Points:
  • “Only 13 percent of New Yorkers voted in the June primary.”
  • "I am in it to win it."
  • Criticism of Mamdani’s campaign slogans as lacking substance.

In his message, Cuomo expressed gratitude to the 440,000 New Yorkers who supported him in the primary, stating he felt he let them down but vowed to re-engage in the political arena.

Mamdani’s Growing Support

Despite the challenges posed by Cuomo, Mamdani’s campaign has gained traction. Following Cuomo’s announcement, Mamdani shared a post calling for contributions to his campaign, which quickly amassed almost 40,000 likes on social media. This swift engagement indicates a strong grassroots following, bolstering his position as the Democratic nominee.

Lack of Endorsements from Key Democrats

As Mamdani ventures ahead, he has yet to receive endorsements from several prominent members of New York’s congressional delegation. Key figures, including:

• Congressmen Ritchie Torres, Gregory Meeks, and Dan Goldman
• Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
• Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand

have refrained from publicly endorsing him. This lack of support raises questions about party unity and the challenges Mamdani may face in rallying broader Democratic support.

Conclusion

As the New York City mayoral race unfolds, the political landscape remains uncertain with influential figures like Hakeem Jeffries prioritizing their positions amid potential liabilities of the Democratic nominee, Zohran Mamdani. With Cuomo’s candidacy and the absence of key endorsements, the coming months will be critical for Democrats as they prepare for an intricate electoral battle.

For more news on the upcoming New York City elections, visit NPR and CNN.