Concerns About Democratic Candidates in New York
On Monday, Michael Larosa, a long-time spokesperson for Jill Biden, expressed concerns about the potential impact of candidates like New York Congressman Zoran Mamdani on the Democrats’ prospects in the upcoming 2026 elections. Speaking during an appearance on “Records with Greta Van Susterlen,” Larosa suggested that Mamdani could pose a political challenge for Democrats in a key district.
Matt Schrup, the chair of the Conservative Political Action Committee, echoed these sentiments, stating that the Democratic Party’s association with more extreme voices like Mamdani signifies a broader disruption among leadership in major U.S. cities.
“I think Mamdani could be a significant burden as we approach the election year. Republicans are likely to leverage his affiliation to unify their efforts against all Democrats, regardless of their stance,” Larosa noted.
Schrup added that there is evident internal strife within the Democratic ranks, mentioning that even with pressure from progressive factions, party leaders have not shown overwhelming support for Mamdani.
“The reality is, Democratic leaders haven’t fully backed Mamdani yet. This hesitation suggests they’re wary of the negative implications, especially with midterms around the corner amid growing associations with radical ideologies,” Schrup explained.
Some influential Democrats have withdrawn their support for Mamdani, who won the party’s nomination for the New York City mayoral race on June 24. Notably, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and New York Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs have all refrained from endorsing him, citing disagreements over his views on Israel.
Kamala Harris, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024, has offered mixed support for Mamdani, stating that while he should be “backed” as a candidate, he is “not the only star” of the party. However, some prominent figures like New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Representative Jerold Nadler have recently shown renewed support for him.
