A no-name councilman from New York City has suddenly become a national sensation after winning the Democratic Party nod in the city’s mayoral election.
Considering his ideology, it is no surprise that Democrats are being put on the spot to either back him or distance themselves from him.
We have seen Democrats do both, but now the GOP is making a strong move to force their hands, linking them directly to Zohran Mamdani for the upcoming election cycle.
There are some Democrats who have tried to distance themselves from Mamdani, but they have been very careful in how they are doing it.
For instance, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) stated, “Look, the mayor of New York has never, never, ever been the leader of the Democratic Party.”
He later added, “Mamdani isn’t speaking for our party, any more than I’m speaking for our party. It’s a big tent. It’s a big coalition.”
This was similar to the response from DNC chair Ken Martin, who more or less welcomed Mamdani to the party, but also wanted to stress the point that it did not mean the Dems were going to go full communist to support him.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) recently endorsed Mamdani, making it quite clear that the Democrat socialist has his full support.
He stated, “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 added, “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.”
That endorsement did not sit well with some Jewish groups, who are livid over past antisemitic comments made by Mamdani, and that is why the GOP is pouncing.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is releasing a new ad that will tie Mamdani to vulnerable Democrats in the upcoming election cycle, as well as tying them to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who has been lobbing bombs at Trump.
The ad claims, "Hakeem Jeffries’ plan to remake America. Raise taxes on working families, impeach President Trump."
The ad also plays quotes from Mamdani, stating, "We are unapologetic about our socialism" and promoting the "abolition of private property."
I am not sure the GOP can save New York City from Mamdani at this point, but they sure can link every Democrat in the state to him and make people understand that when New York City crashes and burns, these are the people responsible. It will frame the inevitable question, “Is this how you want the United States to look in the future?” It’s playing the long game, and I love it.