Zohran Mamdani Scores Bernie Sanders’ Coveted Endorsement In NYC Mayoral Race

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has thrown his support behind progressive state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, bolstering the campaign of a fellow democratic socialist as the heated primary heads into its final week.

“At this dangerous moment in history, status quo politics isn’t good enough,” Sanders wrote in a post on X, calling for “new leadership that is prepared to stand up to powerful corporate interests & fight for the working class.”

“@ZohranKMamdani is providing that vision. He is the best choice for NYC mayor,” he wrote.

Sanders’ endorsement is notable given his considerable influence and marks the first time the progressive lawmaker has endorsed anyone in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. His backing also comes after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), another prominent progressive, announced her support for Mamdani and campaigned alongside him in Manhattan this past weekend.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old lawmaker from Queens, has gained traction in the polls in the last month. Recent surveys suggest that he’s narrowing the gap with former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned from his previous post after facing allegations of sexual harassment, which he denies.

The two have tussled repeatedly over their respective track records, with Mamdani criticizing Cuomo’s harassment allegations and billionaire donors, while the former governor has taken issue with his opponent’s shorter tenure in government.

Mamdani, much like Sanders, has pledged to focus on expanding social programs if he’s elected, and said he’ll fight to freeze rents in rent-controlled apartments, provide free child care and offer free city buses. He’s also proposed income tax hikes on wealthy New Yorkers and with tax increases on corporations in order to pay for these programs.

Cuomo, meanwhile, has tried to lean into his years of experience in state government and has claimed he’ll be a stronger counter to President Donald Trump.

A Mamdani victory would represent a major success for progressives, who have established a vocal presence as leaders in cities like Boston and as members of Congress, while a Cuomo win would signal the enduring strength of moderate, establishment Democrats.

Mamdani has also cross-endorsed former state Assemblyman Michael Blake and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, as they’ve coalesced behind a shared goal of blocking Cuomo.

“As for so many across this country, @BernieSanders has been the single most influential political figure in my life,” Mamdani wrote on X in response to Sanders’ endorsement. “As Mayor, I will strive to live up to his example by fighting for the working class every day and hopefully make Brooklyn’s own proud.”