‘Stay tuned’: Jeffries repeatedly dodges Mamdani endorsement as self-imposed deadline looms
In the lead-up to early voting for the New York City mayoral race, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has maintained an unusual silence regarding his potential endorsement of Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani. Despite his earlier assertion that he would announce his position before voting begins at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday, Jeffries has repeatedly deflected questions about his endorsement during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol. When pressed by reporters, he stated, “Stay tuned,” suggesting that his decision would come imminently, yet he avoided directly addressing why he has not yet made his stance public. This situation raises questions about the dynamics within the Democratic Party, especially as Mamdani has garnered significant support from progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Jeffries’ reluctance to endorse Mamdani, who is currently leading in the race against Republican Curtis Sliwa and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, has sparked speculation about the implications for party unity. When asked if his indecision might be perceived as a division within the Democratic Party, Jeffries confidently asserted that the party remains unified, citing his travels across the country and upcoming elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and California. However, his failure to mention New York during this discussion might suggest a more complicated political landscape at home. Notably, Jeffries is constrained by congressional rules that prevent lawmakers from making political endorsements or solicitations on Capitol grounds, which may explain his cautious approach.
As the race heats up, the stakes are high for both Mamdani and Jeffries. The endorsement from a prominent figure like Jeffries could significantly impact Mamdani’s momentum and appeal among moderate voters. With early voting just hours away, the political community is eager to see if Jeffries will indeed make his endorsement as anticipated, and what it could mean for the future of the Democratic Party in New York City. As reports indicate that Jeffries may announce his support for Mamdani later on Friday, the unfolding narrative of this mayoral race continues to capture the attention of both local and national observers.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is remaining quiet on the New York City mayoral race, despite his self-imposed deadline of weighing in before early voting fast approaches on Saturday morning.
The top House Democrat was asked multiple times about Democratic socialist candidate
Zohran Mamdani
, and whether he will endorse him, during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Friday.
Jeffries has said multiple times that he would speak about the race before early voting begins in New York City — which is coming at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday.
“Stay tuned,” he told one reporter when asked if he was ready to endorse Mamdani.
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He was asked about Mamdani again a short while later, when a reporter queried, “Why are you refusing to endorse?”
“I have not refused to endorse. I have refused to articulate my position, and I will momentarily, at some point in advance of early voting,” Jeffries said.
A third reporter asked Jeffries whether he believed his refusal to endorse was “splitting the Democratic Party.”
“I traveled throughout the country, and the
Democratic Party
is as unified as I’ve seen us throughout the entirety of this year, and you’re about to experience that in real time. So it won’t be hypothetical. You’re about to see it in real time in Virginia, in New Jersey, and in California as it relates to prop 50,” Jeffries said, without mentioning his home state of New York.
“As I’ve said, I will have more to say about the mayor’s race when I have more to say about the mayor’s race in advance of early voting, when I’m back home tomorrow.”
Fox News Digital then asked why Jeffries was waiting until the 11th hour to weigh in on the race, to which he tersely responded, “This question has been asked and answered repeatedly.”
Notably, Jeffries would not have been able to make his endorsement at the press conference. Lawmakers are barred from making political statements or solicitations on Capitol grounds.
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Mamdani is the current frontrunner
in the race
between himself, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an Independent.
While he’s gained support from progressives in Congress, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., the top two Democrats on Capitol Hill — Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. — have been silent.
Politico
reported
on Friday afternoon that Jeffries would endorse Mamdani later Friday.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
