Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York threw his support behind Zohran Mamdani for mayor following Mamdani’s surprise victory over Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. The 33-year-old state lawmaker’s upset win earned him comparisons to major political breakthroughs of the past.
Calling it a “seismic election,” Nadler likened Mamdani’s win to Barack Obama’s rise in 2008. His endorsement, which was first reported by The New York Times, signaled a shift in support after Nadler had initially backed former city comptroller Scott Stringer, who now appears likely to finish low in the ranked-choice count.
Despite backing Stringer during the primary, Nadler praised Mamdani’s momentum and framed the outcome as a clear message against the policies of President Trump. “Voters in New York City demanded change and, with Zohran’s triumph, we have a direct repudiation of Donald Trump’s politics of tax cuts and authoritarianism,” he told the Times.
Nadler’s public endorsement is especially notable given his status as one of the most recognizable Jewish figures in New York politics. His support comes amid heightened scrutiny of Mamdani’s past statements about Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza, with some critics accusing him of antisemitism—an accusation Mamdani has firmly denied.
“I’ve spoken to him today about his commitment to fighting antisemitism, and we’ll work with all New Yorkers to fight against all bigotry and hate,” Nadler said, according to The New York Times.
Still, other top Democrats from New York’s congressional delegation have not rushed to endorse Mamdani. Though now the likely Democratic nominee for mayor, pending the final results of the ranked-choice vote on July 1, Mamdani remains without full backing from several senior party figures.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries both offered congratulations to Mamdani after the primary results but stopped short of offering their endorsements. “He ran an impressive campaign that connected with New Yorkers about affordability, fairness, & opportunity,” Schumer posted on social media.
A number of other prominent Democrats from New York, including Reps. Tom Suozzi, Adriano Espaillat, Gregory Meeks, and Ritchie Torres, had chosen to endorse Cuomo instead of Mamdani.
“I had serious concerns about Assemblyman Mamdani before yesterday, and that is one of the reasons I endorsed his opponent. Those concerns remain,” Suozzi wrote in a post on Wednesday.
{Matzav.com}
Jerry isn’t a joke. He is a tragedy. We see clearly where his morals lie. I was never fooled by him. Long ago I saw him as a traitor to American and to Jewish moral values. Can’t wait to see him leave politics with well deserved disgrace.
Being pro Palestine doesn’t mean you are anti Israel. You are purposely being misleading. You can love the Israeli people without loving their corrupt government. Hamas is just as horrible as Netanyahu is.
What are you doing on this site? Stick to CNN and WaPo with your antisemitic comments.
I thought he was Jerry the GOLD
Shame on Jerry Nadler and Chuck Schumer
As Jewish leaders and longtime defenders of Israel, Jerry Nadler and Chuck Schumer should know better. Their support — tacit or vocal — for Zohran Mamdani is a betrayal of the Jewish community and the values they claim to uphold.
Mamdani has built his career on demonizing Israel, embracing anti-Zionist rhetoric, and aligning with groups that question Israel’s very right to exist. He has never clearly condemned Hamas, and instead calls for arresting Israeli leaders while ignoring the October 7th massacre and years of terrorist violence against Jews.
By standing with him, Nadler and Schumer legitimize a politician whose agenda actively endangers Jewish safety, both here and abroad. They lend credibility to someone who wraps antisemitism in the language of “human rights” while giving cover to those who call for the end of the only Jewish state.
This isn’t about politics — it’s about moral responsibility. And in this moment, Nadler and Schumer have failed us.
We expect more from Jewish elected officials. We expect them to defend their community, not sell it out for political convenience.