New York Democrat Party Chair Jay Jacobs announced he’s not endorsing Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race.
“Mr. Mamdani and I are in agreement that America’s greatest problem is the continued growth of income disparity in our nation,” Jacobs said in a statement to The Hill. “On how to address it — we fundamentally disagree.”
Jacobs, who called the “fear mongering” surrounding Mamdani’s campaign “wrong and a gross over-reaction,” also noted his disagreement with Mamdani’s views on Israel. He also said that the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), of which Mamdani is a member, does not represent “the principles, values or policies of the Democratic Party.”
Mamdani has criticized Israel’s action throughout its war in Gaza, and told The New York Times last week that he would order the New York Police Department (NYPD) to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if the latter came to the city.
Jacobs’s decision not to endorse Mamdani comes after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) backed the party’s mayoral nominee. In a New York Times op-ed, Hochul, while noting her disagreements with Mamdani, praised the state assemblyman’s “can-do spirit” and focus making New York City more affordable. (RELATED: Trump Threatens Federal Funding To NYC With Warning To Zohran Mamdani)
“I didn’t leave my conversations with Mr. Mamdani aligned with him on every issue,” Hochul wrote. “But I am confident that he has the courage, urgency and optimism New York City needs to lead it through the challenges of this moment.”
Both Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have met with Mamdani since he became the Democratic nominee, but neither has endorsed him.
New York state Sen. Mike Gianaris, the second-highest ranking Democrat in the New York Senate, called Jacobs’ decision not to endorse Mamdani “disgraceful” in a post on X.
It remains unclear how the loss of Jacobs’ endorsement will affect Mamdani’s campaign.
However, it could have an impact on Jacobs’ position as a leader of the party. According to Politico, Jacobs said he would resign from his post if Hochul were to request it.
“If the governor should ever ask any state chair to resign, they should resign,” Jacobs told Politico.
A recent Quinnipiac University survey showed Mamdani garnering 45% support among likely New York City voters. He was followed by former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at 23%, Guardian Angels co-founder Curtis Sliwa at 15% and New York City Mayor Eric Adams at 12%. Cuomo and Adams are running as independents, while Sliwa is running as a Republican.
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