NEW YORK (Diya TV) — House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Friday endorsed Zohran Mamdani in the race for mayor of New York City, giving the Democratic nominee a major boost ahead of early voting. Jeffries urged unity among Democrats, warning that the party must come together to face what he called an “existential threat” from former President Donald Trump.
Jeffries’ endorsement comes just a day before early voting begins on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the final stretch of the campaign. The House minority leader, who represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, had held off on making an endorsement for months, saying his focus was on avoiding a government shutdown in Washington.
“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 in a statement. “In that spirit, I support him and the entire citywide Democratic ticket in the general election.”
Jeffries’ backing solidifies Democratic support around Mamdani, who has already won endorsements from top party figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Mamdani’s campaign has attracted broad support from across the Democratic Party’s progressive and moderate wings. Alongside national figures, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins have all endorsed the 34-year-old lawmaker. U.S. Representatives Jerry Nadler, Adriano Espaillat, and Yvette Clarke have also joined the growing list of supporters.
The endorsements come as Mamdani continues to lead in recent opinion polls, maintaining a strong advantage over his opponents, independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The election will take place on November 4.
Mamdani welcomed Jeffries’ endorsement and praised the Democratic leader’s call for unity. “I welcome Leader Jeffries’ support and look forward to delivering a city government and building a Democratic Party relentlessly committed to our affordability agenda — and to fighting Trump’s authoritarianism,” Mamdani said in a statement.
“Our movement to turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas grows stronger by the day,” he added.
Mamdani, a state assembly member from Queens, won the Democratic primary decisively in June. His victory included strong support from voters in Jeffries’ district, giving his campaign early momentum.
With Jeffries’ endorsement, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remains the only top Democrat who has not endorsed a candidate in the New York mayoral race. Schumer has so far avoided taking sides, even as other prominent Democrats have lined up behind Mamdani.
Jeffries’ decision to endorse just before voting begins highlights the importance of party unity at a time when Democrats are seeking to energize voters ahead of the general election.
Mamdani has centered his campaign on what he calls an “affordability agenda,” promising to make New York City more livable for working families. His plan focuses on affordable housing, improved public transportation, and higher taxes on the wealthy to fund public services.
The 34-year-old social democrat has drawn comparisons to other progressive leaders in the Democratic Party, including Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders. While his policies have divided some party members, Mamdani’s grassroots support has made him a powerful force in the city’s political landscape.
Jeffries’ endorsement signals that even moderate Democrats are now rallying around Mamdani in an effort to present a united front against Trump-aligned candidates.
Despite Mamdani’s polling lead, the race remains closely watched. Andrew Cuomo, who served as New York’s governor for more than a decade, is running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary. Republican Curtis Sliwa, known for his law-and-order platform, continues to campaign heavily across the city’s outer boroughs.
With early voting beginning this weekend, the final days of the campaign are expected to intensify. Jeffries’ endorsement could help drive Democratic turnout and solidify Mamdani’s position as the frontrunner.
As Jeffries put it, the stakes are higher than one city election. “We must come together as Democrats to confront the existential threat posed by Donald Trump and his movement,” he said.
The New York City mayoral election on November 4 will determine whether Mamdani’s progressive vision for the city wins out — and whether Democrats can maintain unity in one of the nation’s most important political battlegrounds.
