New York City mayoral front-runner Mamdani holds first Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race, met with members of Congress on Wednesday
WASHINGTON (AA) – Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race, met with members of Congress on Wednesday in what Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described as a “really positive meeting.”
Speaking to Fox News after the gathering, which was described as a “Communication and Organizing Skillshare Breakfast,” Ocasio-Cortez said it’s important for lawmakers to engage directly with Mamdani.
“It’s valuable to meet people in person, get a real sense of who they are, and have conversations with them directly,” she said. Addressing concerns from within her party about Mamdani’s progressive platform, she added: “I think the best way to approach these things is to hear it from the individual rather than relying on media noise or other distractions.”
“If anyone has doubts, it’s best to hear straight from the source before making a judgment,” she added.
Mamdani’s rise has stirred debate among Democratic leaders. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also from New York, has so far withheld his endorsement due to Mamdani’s criticism of Israel, but said he plans to meet with him later this week in Brooklyn.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, another New York Democrat, has also not endorsed Mamdani but is expected to hold a separate meeting with him.
Since his surprise primary win in June, Mamdani has emerged as a prominent progressive voice. If elected, he would become New York City’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor.
His victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and nine other candidates has set the stage for a competitive general election.
A new HarrisX poll released Tuesday showed Mamdani leading with 26%, followed by Cuomo at 23%, Republican Curtis Sliwa at 22%, and current mayor Eric Adams at 13%.
Several lawmakers praised Mamdani after the Capitol Hill meeting. Rep. Luz Rivas of California said the session was insightful.
“We were learning communication skills from him—it wasn’t about endorsing him or not,” she noted.
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