AOC hosts NYC mayoral nominee Mamdani in Washington as top Democrats withhold endorsements and party debates its direction.

Progressive Support Meets Leadership Hesitation

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., welcomed Zohran Mamdani, the recently nominated Democratic mayoral candidate for New York City, to the nation’s capital on Wednesday morning. The meeting, a “Communication and Organizing Skillshare Breakfast” held at the National Democratic Club, brought together progressive activists as party leaders continue to deliberate over their support for Mamdani.

Ocasio-Cortez, a leading progressive voice in Congress, was among the earliest to endorse Mamdani, campaigning with him ahead of his upset primary win last month. Yet, key figures such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have not offered official endorsements. “I think a lot of people just need to get to know folks before they issue an endorsement. I hope that this conversation can be constructive to bring the party together and rally behind our nominee,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

Mamdani, who would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor if elected, acknowledged the importance of uniting the party and expressed enthusiasm for engaging with Jeffries and Schumer, although no Washington meeting with them had been confirmed. Jeffries and Schumer both indicated plans to meet with Mamdani in New York later in the week.

Party Divisions, Trump’s Critique, and a Race in the Spotlight

The Democratic leadership’s cautious approach reflects ongoing debate over the party’s ideological direction. Last month, Rep. Adriano Espaillat endorsed Mamdani after backing Andrew Cuomo, who remains in the race as an independent. Ocasio-Cortez and other progressives argue the party is stronger when united. “Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, and as a Democrat, I am rallying behind our nominee,” Ocasio-Cortez said Tuesday.

Rep. Tom Suozzi, a vocal opponent of Mamdani’s campaign, chose not to attend the breakfast, while Rep. Jared Moskowitz said he planned to attend to learn about digital campaigning, despite policy disagreements with Mamdani.

At the White House, President Donald Trump commented on the race, calling Mamdani a “Communist” and suggesting that former Governor Andrew Cuomo “has a shot” if he remains in the contest. The Mamdani campaign swiftly responded, congratulating Cuomo on earning Trump’s endorsement and questioning whether Cuomo would embrace it publicly.

Republicans have seized on Mamdani’s rise, linking his campaign to Democrats nationwide and positioning him as emblematic of the party’s leftward shift. National GOP leaders argue that Mamdani’s candidacy gives them new messaging opportunities ahead of upcoming elections. The Democratic Party now faces a pivotal moment as its leadership balances progressive enthusiasm with concerns about broader electoral appeal.