Jeffries endorses Mamdani for New York City mayor

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Friday formally endorsed New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, just weeks before the general election in November.

The Democratic leader had declined to weigh in on the race since Mamdani triumphed over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary in June. Cuomo is still running, but as an independent.

Jeffries broke his silence by acknowledging the differences between his approach to politics and the more socialist views of Mamdani. However, he said Mamdani is devoted to tackling the city's high cost of living, and highlighted the importance of party unity. 

“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 told the New York Times. “In that spirit, I support him and the entire citywide Democratic ticket in the general election.”

The coveted endorsement came just hours before early voting begins in New York City on Saturday morning. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has also endorsed Mamdani's candidacy.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.