House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and socialist mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani finally sat down Friday for the first time since New York City’s primary — but the Democratic nominee left without an endorsement.
In a lukewarm statement, Jeffries called the pair’s hourlong meeting in his Brooklyn stomping grounds “constructive,” but did not indicate whether he would throw his weight behind the lefty candidate.
“The meeting between Leader Jeffries and Assemblyman Mamdani was constructive, candid and community-centered, with a particular focus on affordability,” said Jeffries spokesperson Justin Chermol.
Mamdani left the meeting without an endorsement from Hakeem Jeffries. AP“Leader Jeffries and Assemblyman Mamdani discussed a variety of other important issues, including public safety, rising antisemitism, gentrification and the importance of taking back the House in 2026.”
Mamdani’s camp issued a nearly identical statement, saying the assemblyman was “pleased to meet” Jeffries.
The much-anticipated meeting comes as establishment Dems have slowwalked their backing of the far-left frontrunner, despite the relatively unknown Queens state lawmaker raking up key union support.
Jeffries has repeatedly praised Mamdani’s campaign and defended him from attacks by President Trump, but has stopped short of endorsing him.
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“We don’t really know each other well,” he has said. Jeffries has said Mamdani needs to “clarify” his stance on “Globalizing the Intifada” — a controversial phrase in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Mamdani has since tried to distance himself from his prior comments defending it and has started to say publicly that he discourages its use.
Little else immediately emerged about Friday’s confab, but the Democratic House leader has given no signs that he is any closer to backing Mamdani in his bid to take City Hall come November.
Establishment Dems have slowwalked endorsements of Mamdani. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.comAnd he’s not alone. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. Kathy Hochul have yet to weigh in on the mayoral race, even though Mamdani handily clobbered ex-gov. Andrew Cuomo, the longtime frontrunner who was angling for his political comeback in the primary.
Schumer is expected to meet with Mamdani soon, but no date has yet been set.
Jeffries and Mamdani “ agreed to reconvene shortly, alongside other members of the New York City congressional delegation and a few high level community leaders,” Chermol added.
Mamdani earlier this week was welcomed warmly by lefty House Dems in Washington DC, huddling with the progressive wing of the Democratic party, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who have endorsed him.
