NYC mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani faces mixed Democratic support and debate over his socialist identity and policies.

Divisions Emerge Among Democrats Over Mamdani’s Candidacy

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has ignited a vigorous debate within the Democratic Party as he campaigns on a platform that blends elements of democratic socialism with advocacy for small business. Despite winning the party’s nomination by a wide margin, Mamdani’s candidacy has exposed rifts among Democrats over the direction and identity of their party—especially on issues of capitalism, socialism, and public policy in the nation’s largest city.

This week, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) challenged characterizations of Mamdani as a socialist after a breakfast meeting in Washington, D.C. with the candidate and other Democrats. Takano described Mamdani as “an advocate for small ‘c’ capitalism” and someone “fighting for the little business guy that’s trying to eke out a living in New York.” He argued that Mamdani’s support for small businesses and regulatory reform was an important message, while also suggesting that the meaning of “socialist” has evolved for younger generations.

“He’s not a communist. He’s not a socialist. He’s an advocate for small ‘c’ capitalism,” Takano said. “There’s no contradiction there, trying to get buses to run more efficiently and faster. These are all things that are improving people’s lives.” Takano acknowledged, however, that Mamdani’s platform includes critiques of capitalism and proposals for city-run supermarkets, which blur traditional ideological lines.

Party Leaders Withhold Endorsement as Debate Continues

The division was further highlighted when House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) met with Mamdani but withheld his endorsement. After their hour-long meeting in New York City, Jeffries’ office called the discussion “constructive, candid and community-centered,” but offered no public support for Mamdani’s campaign. Instead, Jeffries emphasized continued conversations with Mamdani and other leaders about affordability, public safety, antisemitism, gentrification, and the 2026 congressional races.

Mamdani, a state assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, has promised to overhaul city government and launch expansive new public programs. He has attracted backing from progressive figures including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), as well as Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), but has yet to win endorsements from top party leaders like Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

His positions have made him a controversial figure—not just for his left-leaning domestic proposals, but also for his criticism of Israel and his initial reluctance to condemn polarizing slogans. Social media clips have circulated of Mamdani supporting the abolition of private property and echoing revolutionary rhetoric, though he maintains his vision is about housing guarantees and social justice, not communism.

As Mamdani challenges incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, and faces rivals like former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, the debate over his ideology is likely to remain at the forefront. With the race attracting national attention, the outcome may signal the party’s broader approach to economic policy, social justice, and coalition-building as Democrats look toward future elections.