Zohran Mamdani seeks to strengthen his backing by campaigning alongside Bernie Sanders

Zohran Mamdani aims to strengthen his backing, joining forces with Bernie Sanders in a rally

In the race for the mayoral seat of New York City, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani is facing a series of challenges from both within and outside the political arena.

Mamdani, who secured an upset victory in the June primary, has been met with resistance from some New York Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Governor Kathy Hochul, who have yet to endorse him. The source of concern for these leaders appears to be Mamdani's policy proposals and outspoken criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza.

Despite this resistance, Mamdani remains undeterred. He has been working diligently to consolidate the support of New York City Democrats, recently holding a second meeting with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries last week. Jeffries has praised Mamdani's focus on cost-of-living issues in his campaign.

Mamdani's campaign is also receiving support from progressive leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders. After Mamdani's primary victory, he met with Sanders in Washington, where the senator offered him advice on intraparty clashes, money in politics, and allegations of antisemitism. Sanders has also endorsed Mamdani, and his robust fundraising network has been a significant boost to the candidate's campaign.

The mayoral race is not just about internal politics, though. Mamdani has also criticised President Donald Trump's involvement in the race, stating that it will not be influenced by Trump, Bill Ackman, or DoorDash. Interestingly, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is seeking reelection also on a third-party line, while former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is forging ahead with an independent bid for mayor.

Trump has stated that if there were multiple candidates in the mayoral race, it would make the race against Mamdani harder. However, Trump also denied offering Adams an ambassadorship, believing that Cuomo would have a better shot at beating Mamdani.

Mamdani's charm offensive continues as he seeks the endorsement of Democratic leaders who have yet to support him. Meanwhile, the candidate has made it clear that he will not be swayed by external influences, telling a sea of supporters at Brooklyn College that the mayoral race will not be influenced by Trump, Ackman, or DoorDash.

The event with Sen. Sanders was part of his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, which included a town hall event in Brooklyn where Mamdani was a guest. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a featured guest at Sanders' cross-country rallies, endorsed Mamdani before the primary and has continued to support him.

As the race heats up, Mamdani's campaign is being praised by progressive leaders as a model for Democrats as they navigate a path back to power. The outcome of this race will undoubtedly shape the future of New York City politics.