Former Vice President Harris said Monday night that she supports New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, adding that there are other “stars” in the party that are running for office across the country.
“Look, as far as I’m concerned, he’s the Democratic nominee, and he should be supported,” Harris said during an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show.”
When asked by host Rachel Maddow if she endorses Mamdani’s candidacy, Harris said, “I support the Democrat in the race, sure.”
“But let me just say this. He’s not the only star,” the ex-vice president added. “I know that he’s in New York, and I know New Yorkers think they’re the center of the world, and here we are in New York having this interview.”
Harris then mentioned Democratic Party mayoral candidates Barbara Drummond in Mobile, Ala., and Helena Moreno in New Orleans, billing them as “stars.”
The former presidential candidate’s tacit endorsement of Mamdani comes as his mayoral bid has divided the party’s leaders, with some still withholding the endorsement of the nominee.
Both Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) have met with Mamdani since he won the party’s primary but have not thrown their weight behind the Democratic socialist candidate.
Last week, New York Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs said he will not endorse Mamdani.
“Mr. Mamdani and I are in agreement that America’s greatest problem is the continued growth of income disparity in our nation,” Jacobs said. “On how to address it — we fundamentally disagree.”
Days earlier, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) endorsed the state lawmaker, praising Mamdani for focusing on making the Big Apple more affordable, but noting that she still has disagreements with him.
“I didn’t leave my conversations with Mr. Mamdani aligned with him on every issue,” Hochul wrote. “But I am confident that he has the courage, urgency and optimism New York City needs to lead it through the challenges of this moment.”
