"The late endorsement by the powerful Brooklyn congressman in his own backyard marks a shift among mainstream Democrats towards corralling around Mamdani, a Queens state lawmaker and democratic socialist who won his party's primary against a host of more experienced candidates, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani has already been leading in polls by double digits."
"Jeffries had signaled he would endorse a mayoral candidate before early voting beginning on Oct. 25. On Oct. 23, Jeffries praised Mamdani for wanting to keep New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, seen by establishment leaders as a steady hand in City Hall. Jeffries' endorsement, less than two weeks before the Nov. 4 general election, is a blow to Cuomo, a moderate Democrat dragged down by ethical scandals now running as an independent."
"Eric Adams, the scandal-plagued outgoing mayor, had already dropped his long-shot reelection bid. On Oct. 23, Adams endorsed Cuomo as a bulwark against Mamdani. Cuomo and Adams have resorted to attacks against Mamdani's Muslim faith in recent days. Mamdani would be the city's first Muslim mayor."
Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor, joining other mainstream Democrats in coalescing around the Queens state lawmaker and democratic socialist. Mamdani won the Democratic primary over more experienced candidates, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and is leading in polls by double digits. Jeffries praised Mamdani's desire to keep Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The endorsement, less than two weeks before the Nov. 4 general election, weakens Cuomo, who is running as an independent amid ethical scandals. Gov. Kathy Hochul has endorsed Mamdani, while other leaders such as Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have not. Mamdani's sharp criticism of Israel and its siege of Gaza has complicated endorsements, and the race also features Republican Curtis Sliwa.
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