Mamdani works to win NYC's Black voters and move past accusations that he's on Team Gentrification'

"During a recent canvassing call for New Yorkers with Caribbean ties, one of the city's most prominent Black leaders tried to dispel rumors about Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist and Democratic nominee for mayor. I just want to make clear nobody around Zohran is trying to take Black people's homes, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said on the Zoom call, which was attended by approximately 90 people. Quite the opposite. He wants to make sure that we're able to stay in our homes."

"Mamdani, virtually unknown to most New Yorkers when he entered the June Democratic primary, beat Andrew Cuomo even as he lost in majority-Black neighborhoods across the city. His campaign has long been accused of relying on younger, wealthier residents who are pricing out longstanding residents a critique summarized by an adviser to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries who referred to Mamdani's backers as Team Gentrification."

"giving an opening to Adams, the second Black mayor in the city's history, and Cuomo, who has long counted on Black voters in his runs for governor. Cuomo's allies are pushing Adams to end his reelection bid, hoping that will help Cuomo consolidate Black voter support against Mamdani. Right now, the decisive vote could be the Black vote, said Rev. Al Sharpton, the civil rights leader."

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and Democratic nominee for mayor, won the June primary while losing majority-Black neighborhoods. His campaign has been accused of relying on younger, wealthier residents who price out longstanding residents, prompting critics to label supporters 'Team Gentrification.' Mamdani is emphasizing homeownership and cost reductions to make inroads with Black voters ahead of a November election where he will face Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams as independents. Some Black leaders and poll data show growing support for Mamdani, while skepticism about his credentials persists, creating an opening for Adams and Cuomo. Political maneuvers include Cuomo allies urging Adams to end his reelection bid to consolidate Black voter support.

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