Zohran Mamdani has Dems in ‘absolute panic’ over how to handle NYC mayoral bid: Endorse ‘toxic’ brand or risk primary challenge

NY Post ^ | 6/30/25 | Steven Nelson, Craig McCarthy, Hannah Fierick, David Propper

[Libloather]

Democrats are in “absolute panic” over Zohran Mamdani’s stunning New York City Democratic mayoral primary win — fearing he could be “toxic” for the party but worried about possible primary challenges if they don’t endorse him, sources told The Post.

Congressional Dems are “afraid” of Mamdani supporters setting up opponents to incumbents, including Reps. Dan Goldman, Jerry Nadler and even Grace Meng and Adriano Espaillat “could be a target,” a New York Democratic source said Monday.

“It’s not hesitancy, it’s absolute panic and fear – and fear that not only are they saddled with (Gov.) Kathy Hochul’s very bad polling numbers, now they have to deal with the toxic impact of Zohran Mamdani in the outer boroughs and suburbs,” the source said.

Hochul, and the other Dem leaders, now find themselves in a bind and many have held off on publicly endorsing the mayoral nominee — nearly a week after he bested former Gov. Andrew Cuomo by 70,000 votes in the first round of the ranked-choice primary.

The avowed socialist’s shocking win has garnered national attention, sparking talk of a new, left-wing political movement in the Big Apple and beyond.

While several top Democrats have congratulated Mamdani for the race he ran focused on affordability, many have hedged or dodged when asked about whether they would endorse him, including the governor.

“I mean, I’m allowed to have all the conversations I want to make a decision,” Hochul said when pressed about her decision on whether to endorse during an unrelated event Monday.

Hochul said she had the “first of what I consider being many conversations” with Mamdani on Sunday.

A source close to Hochul explained endorsing Mamdani could be toxic for the governor as she eyes re-election next year and needs to stay in moderate Democrats’ and Republicans’ good graces.

[frank ballenger]

Right. He was re-elected so they had time to reform.

I have no respect for my enemies.