Harris says she supports 'Democratic nominee' in New York City mayoral race, without naming Mamdani

Former Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris said she supports the "Democratic nominee" in the New York City mayoral race, but didn't endorse Zohran Mamdani by name.

Harris, who was also her party's 2024 presidential nominee, was asked Monday on MSNBC whether she would support Mamdani in the race, The New York Times reported.

“Look, as far as I’m concerned, he’s the Democratic nominee and he should be supported,” she responded.

When asked whetther she endorsed Mamdani's candidacy, Harris replied without once saying his name, “I support the Democrat in the race, sure.”

She also said Mamdani was “not the only star” running for a mayoral post, noting candidates such as Barbara Drummond in Mobile, Ala., and Helena Moreno in New Orleans, La.

“I hope that we don’t so over-index on New York City that we lose sight of the stars throughout our country,” Harris said. “So that’s where I am — we’ve got a big tent and we’ve got a lot of stars.”

Democrats have been divided on endorsing Mamdani, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York hesitant to back him, while progressives such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont have supported him.

Mamdani is facing off against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who are both Democrats running as independents, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.