Zohran Mamdani, a progressive figure in New York City politics, has received an endorsement from Representative Adriano Espaillat, a prominent Latino leader in the city. Espaillat, known for his influence within the Dominican community, previously supported Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary. The endorsement comes amid efforts by some of Mamdani's far-left allies to challenge incumbent House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other New York City Democrats in upcoming primary elections. Jeffries' team has responded firmly to these challenges, warning of a forceful response to what they describe as attempts by "Team Gentrification" to provoke primary fights. Mamdani’s allies are reportedly seeking to replace Democrats who do not support the Democratic Socialists of America, signaling a push for a more left-leaning agenda within the party. Espaillat emphasized party unity in his endorsement, stating that the Democratic Party cannot be defeated when united and affirming that the primary and election results reflect the will of the people. Mamdani has also garnered support from Latino voters independently, with his November election victory considered likely.
Rep. Espaillat, influential among NYC Latino voters, endorses Zohran Mamdani for mayor https://t.co/mhBwMLzZb9
BREAKING - Allies of Zohran Mamdani plan to primary and replace Hakeem Jeffries and other NYC Democrats who refuse to support the Democrat Socialist of America. https://t.co/6jRD0NXEut
Adriano Espaillat endorses Zohran Mamdani after previously backing Andrew Cuomo https://t.co/lOOXoTH4IC