The Democratic Party is in turmoil after radical socialist Zohran Mamdani’s shocking victory in New York City’s mayoral primary.
The ripple effects have now reached Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday morning, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) rolled out the red carpet for Mamdani’s visit to Washington, D.C.
Ocasio-Cortez hosted a “Communication and Organizing Skillshare Breakfast” at the National Democratic Club to promote Mamdani, the 33-year-old self-described democratic socialist.
The event has sparked intense reactions as Mamdani, who remains without key endorsements from powerful New York Democrats, makes his way to D.C. to gain traction for his upcoming campaign.
Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal progressive champion, was an early and outspoken supporter of Mamdani, campaigning with him in New York City ahead of his primary win.
Despite AOC’s support, Mamdani has yet to secure endorsements from major figures like House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) or Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
The two leaders are both New Yorkers who hold significant sway within the Democratic Party.
On Tuesday, AOC confirmed that she would be hosting the breakfast with Mamdani in D.C.
She expressed her eagerness to introduce him to party members and discuss key issues such as rent freezes, affordable childcare, and grocery prices.
“I think a lot of people just need to get to know folks before they issue an endorsement,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
“I hope that this conversation can be constructive to bring the party together and rally behind our nominee.”
But while Ocasio-Cortez is rallying around the young socialist, New York’s Democrat leadership is hesitant.
Both Jeffries and Schumer have yet to meet with Mamdani in Washington.
Schumer told reporters he had already spoken to him and would meet in New York City.
Jeffries, on the other hand, said he was scheduled to meet Mamdani later in Brooklyn.
The Mamdani campaign has been quick to call out the lack of support from the party establishment.
The mayoral candidate’s campaign spokesman, Jeffrey Lerne,r mocked former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s latest run, saying:
“We would like to congratulate Andrew Cuomo on earning Donald Trump’s endorsement.”
Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), a vocal opponent of Mamdani’s policies, confirmed he would not attend Ocasio-Cortez’s breakfast, a sign of the deepening divide within the party.
However, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), who admitted to “vast disagreements” with Mamdani’s policies, will attend, seeking to learn about running a successful digital campaign despite policy differences.
The internal Democrat rift over Mamdani’s rise is not lost on Republicans, who are eager to capitalize on the growing divide.
GOP leaders have repeatedly tied Mamdani’s radical socialist platform to vulnerable Democrats across the country.
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley remarked:
“This is the face of the new Democratic Party.
“Everybody who wants to lead that party wants to lead it to the Left.
“They’re moving away from the American public right now at a pretty rapid clip.”
The National Republican Congressional Committee is already gearing up to target Democrats in next year’s midterms, warning voters that radical figures like Mamdani represent the future of the Democratic Party.
“Radical socialist Zohran Mamdani isn’t just the future of the Democrat Party, he is the Democrat Party,” the NRCC said.
“On the campaign trail, we’ll make sure every voter knows House Democrats share his far-left agenda.”
Mamdani’s rise to power and the internal strife it has caused among Democrats could be a significant liability as the party heads into the 2024 elections.
With Trump already positioning himself to take advantage of Mamdani’s socialist agenda, the battle within the Democratic Party is just beginning.
As Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani continue to push the party closer to communism, it’s clear that the divide between the progressive wing and the more moderate establishment is only growing deeper.
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