Mamdani visits Washington to rally progressive support and build momentum

WASHINGTON DC (MNTV) — Just weeks after a stunning victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani arrived in the nation’s capital on Wednesday to begin what he called “the next chapter” — not just for his campaign, but for the broader progressive movement.

The 33-year-old democratic socialist, who represents a district in Queens, spent the day meeting with leading figures of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both early and vocal supporters of his campaign.

“My goal was simple: to show that the vision we’ve built in New York — one rooted in affordability, justice, and solidarity — resonates far beyond city limits,” Mamdani said after his visit, as reported by the CNN.

“What we’re fighting for is not radical; it’s necessary.”

The day began with a breakfast arranged by Ocasio-Cortez, where roughly 40 House Democrats joined a candid conversation about the challenges facing working-class communities across the country.

Mamdani spoke about the housing crisis, public education, and the urgent need to protect immigrants’ rights — all themes central to his campaign.

One moment that stood out, according to attendees, was Mamdani’s comment that he’d gone “from being the hunter to the hunted” — a nod to the attention now focused on his policy proposals and campaign strategy.

Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California said the conversation was refreshing. “It’s important not to get distracted by culture war noise. Mamdani is focused on the real issues that impact our communities.”

Meeting with Sanders

Later, Mamdani met privately with Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime ally whose 2019 rally in Queens had been a formative moment in Mamdani’s early organizing.

The two discussed campaign strategy, building working-class coalitions, and how to stay grounded under increasing national attention.

Sanders, a Brooklyn native himself, reaffirmed his support and encouraged Mamdani to continue pushing for bold policies while staying mindful of how his words are received.

“We talked about how to ensure that our critiques of systems never come across as critiques of people,” Mamdani said.

Their meeting ended with warm smiles and photos that quickly circulated online. Mamdani posted one with the caption: “Bernie may be the great Senator from Vermont — but he’s Brooklyn through and through.”

Other progressive leaders also took time to meet with Mamdani, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “Zohran’s campaign has energized people across generations,” she said. “There’s a lot to learn from what he’s built in New York.”

While in Washington, Mamdani also began laying groundwork for national alliances that may prove crucial as he heads into the general election. His team confirmed a Friday meeting with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in Brooklyn, where they plan to discuss shared priorities, including housing and immigrant protections.

Reflecting on his trip, Mamdani said the experience was both encouraging and energizing. “The message I heard loud and clear is that people across the country are hungry for a politics that delivers — that centers working families, not corporations or special interests.”

As the race for New York City mayor continues to evolve, Mamdani remains focused on the city that propelled him to national attention. “We’re building a future that is affordable, dignified, and inclusive — and I’m honored to carry that fight forward.”