Fetterman Questions Mamdani’s Democratic Credentials

Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, has raised doubts about New York City’s mayoral candidate, Zoolan Mamdani, positioning himself among the few notable Democrats who are skeptical of Mamdani’s alignment with their party.

“I pretty much disagree with all of that politically,” Fetterman expressed during a Fox News interview when discussing Mamdani. “Honestly, he’s not even really a Democrat.”

Following Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary, many Democrats, including self-identified moderates, quickly rallied around him. Those who are hesitant about his candidacy face pressure. Notably, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recently issued an apology after suggesting that Mamdani made a “reference to global jihad” during a radio interview.

Additionally, Mamdani had previously declined to endorse certain slogans pushed by Palestinian activists, specifically the call for the “globalization of intifadas,” which alludes to resistance against Israel.

On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, known for his support of Israel, refrained from criticizing Mamdani. Instead, he called the deportation of Mamdani “horrible” and complimented his campaign efforts.

“I know Mamdani because we worked together to help provide debt relief to numerous taxi drivers in distress and fought against the fracked gas facility in Astoria. He ran a remarkable campaign that resonated with New Yorkers about affordability, fairness, and opportunity,” Schumer tweeted.

Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. He is a self-professed Democratic Socialist and has proposed various policies, including “free buses,” government-funded grocery stores, and expanded public housing.

He has also publicly stated that “getting the means of production” is a key objective for him.