Obama Declines Endorsement for NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani

Former President Barack Obama declined to endorse New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, despite a recent phone conversation between the two. The call took place on a Saturday, with Obama attending a rally for New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill nearby but not venturing into New York City to support Mamdani ahead of the upcoming election.

Obama’s Non-Endorsement Sparks Discussion

Mamdani’s campaign adviser, Patrick Gaspard, sought to minimize the significance of the former president’s decision. Gaspard noted that Obama typically refrains from endorsing candidates in local races as part of a long-standing post-presidency rule. He considered the conversation a significant moment and a boost for Mamdani’s campaign.

Context of Obama’s Endorsements

Despite Gaspard’s comments, critics point out that Obama’s endorsement practices are flexible. The former president has supported various mayoral candidates in the past, including notable figures like the unpopular Bill de Blasio and other mayors across the country.

• Obama previously endorsed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
• Supported Chicago’s former Mayor Rahm Emmanuel.
• Also endorsed candidates in smaller cities like Rick Kriseman in St. Petersburg and Caroline Simmons in Stamford.

As Election Day approaches, Mamdani holds a slim lead over his opponent Andrew Cuomo, ahead by 6.6% according to a recent AtlasIntel poll. However, this marks the closest margin he has experienced since July.

Political Fallout and Reactions

Mamdani’s spokeswoman, Dora Pekec, acknowledged the importance of Obama’s words during their conversation. She remarked that the discussion highlights a new political approach that Mamdani aims to introduce to the city.

Conversely, some political analysts and Republicans view the lack of an endorsement as a cautionary move from Obama. Critics like Republican strategist Rob Ryan believe that Obama aims to avoid associating mainstream Democrats with what they see as extreme political ideologies. Veteran consultant Hank Sheinkopf expressed that an endorsement might risk repercussions for Democrats in future elections.

Other Democrats’ Stances

A range of prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, have withheld their endorsements in the competitive mayoral race. Notably, Representative Hakeem Jeffries only endorsed Mamdani shortly before early voting began.

This political landscape is compounded by Mamdani’s past support for the “Defund the Police” movement and proposals to increase taxes on businesses to fund initiatives that critics see as controversial. Although Mamdani leads with 40.6%, Cuomo trails at 34%, making this mayoral race one of great importance for the city’s political future.