Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries both lauded radical socialist Zohran Mamdani’s affordability focus following his upset win in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. Jeffries told Morning Joe, “relentless focus on affordability had great appeal all across the city of New York,” noting Mamdani “outworked, out‑organized, and out‑communicated the opposition.”
Schumer echoed the praise on X, saying Mamdani “ran an impressive campaign that connected with New Yorkers about affordability, fairness, & opportunity.” He added that he plans to meet with Mamdani soon, remarking on their past collaboration supporting the New York Taxi Workers Alliance.
Both Democratic leaders downplayed concerns about Mamdani’s far-left platform, which includes plans for government-run grocery stores, rent freezes, free public transit, and a $30 minimum wage. Jeffries acknowledged the growing affordability crisis, insisting the focus should remain on that, not ideological battles.
Critics, including the New York Times editorial board and the Wall Street Journal, warned that Mamdani’s platform is extreme and potentially harmful to the city’s stability. They pointed to his defense of the anti-Semitic chant “globalize the intifada” and refusal to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as disqualifying. Yet Schumer’s post omitted those controversies entirely.
In conclusion, Jeffries sidestepped those concerns: “We have an affordability crisis in the United States of America,” he said, before pivoting to criticize Republicans. With meaningful policy proposals set aside, the Democratic leadership appears ready to endorse Mamdani’s affordability focus, dismissing deeper scrutiny.
