Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Zohran Mamdani as Top Choice for Mayor

Published: Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 9:01 am

Ocasio-Cortez Backs Mamdani for NYC Mayor, Aiming to Unite Progressives

In a move that could reshape the upcoming mayoral race, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist, as her top choice for mayor. The endorsement, revealed in an interview with *The New York Times*, marks a significant effort by the city's leading progressive voice to unite the fractured progressive movement and potentially thwart the political comeback of former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Ocasio-Cortez praised Mamdani's ability to build a coalition of working-class New Yorkers, highlighting his strength as a candidate. The endorsement comes at a critical juncture, with the Democratic primary scheduled for June 24th. Time is of the essence, as Cuomo has maintained a steady lead in the polls.

The endorsement is seen as a strategic move to prevent a repeat of the 2021 mayoral election, where a divided progressive vote allowed a moderate candidate to win. This time, Ocasio-Cortez is hoping to rally support behind Mamdani, who has gained traction among younger voters. The primary will be a crucial test of the progressive movement's ability to coalesce and challenge the established political landscape. The outcome could have significant implications for the future direction of New York City.

BNN's Perspective: The endorsement of Mamdani by Ocasio-Cortez underscores the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party. While the progressive wing seeks to consolidate its power, the potential for a divided vote remains a concern. The success of Mamdani's campaign will depend on his ability to unite the progressive base and persuade a broader electorate. The primary will be a key indicator of whether the progressive movement can effectively challenge the more moderate elements of the party.

Keywords: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Zohran Mamdani, New York City, Mayor, Endorsement, Democratic Primary, Andrew Cuomo, Progressives, Socialism, Politics, Elections, Coalition, Working Class, Voters, Campaign.

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