Over the weekend, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, who represents Maryland, endorsed Zohran Mamdani in the New York Mayoral race. Senator Van Hollen called out other Democrats who have yet to do the same.
Van Hollen announced his support of Mamdani during a speech in Iowa. Mamdani, a member of the New York State Assembly, who also describes himself as a democratic socialist, is vowing to lower the cost of living for New Yorkers.
“He is focused on ensuring that people can afford to live in the place that they work, that should be our goal in New York City, Des Moines, and every town and city and place across the United States of America,” said Senator Van Hollen.
Sen. Van Hollen then called out other Democratic lawmakers, especially those in the House and Senate, who he says have stayed on the sidelines.
“That kind of spineless politics is what people are sick of,” he added. “They need to get behind him and get behind him now.”
“I thought his endorsement was a very smart move in that respect, because the issues that in that race that Mamdani is really talking about is affordability, and a lot of people are concerned about the inflation rate, a possible recession occurring, and affordability strikes a chord,” said political expert John Dedie. “The problem he has is a lot of people are uncomfortable with some of his socialistic background.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also announced her support for Mamdani.
“It appears for a lot of people choosing to endorse him, they’re thinking long term, that maybe it’s not him, but it’s the issue that can be beneficial to Democrats next year,” Dedie said.
It is not yet clear if others, like Governor Wes Moore, will endorse Mamdani or not. His campaign has not yet responded to a request for comment.
“There’s no reason for Wes Moore to endorse because he has no competitive primary or concerns. He still has high favorability among Democrats,” Dedie added.
While the Governor has not publicly endorsed him, during a national media interview in July, Governor Moore said that while he has not followed the race closely, he believes the narrative around affordability is right.
“I think the narrative around affordability is right, and I think it honestly, it’s the same thing we pushed in Maryland, where the way we approach it is, I focus on pathways to work, wages and wealth,” Governor Moore said.