Hakeem Jeffries Still Won’t Endorse Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor, Cites Concerns Over Israel and Antisemitism

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is once again dodging the question of whether he’ll endorse Zohran Mamdani, the far-left Democratic nominee in the New York City mayoral race. Despite growing pressure from party insiders and media outlets, Jeffries told ABC’s Jonathan Karl on Sunday that he still hasn’t made up his mind — and offered no firm commitment as early voting looms.

“I have not,” Jeffries plainly stated when asked if he had endorsed Mamdani.

The hesitation has sparked speculation about deep divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly between the establishment and the rising radical wing. Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist and vocal supporter of the BDS movement, has been a controversial figure since clinching the nomination. His rhetoric, including calls to “Globalize the Intifada” and vows to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he ever visits the city, has alarmed many Jewish leaders and centrists alike.

Pressed by Karl about what’s holding him back, Jeffries deflected, repeating talking points about his upcoming “conversation” with Mamdani and their “forward-looking” discussions on affordability in New York. But he did not directly address why, even this late in the game, he has not lined up behind his party’s nominee.

The deeper issue appears to be Mamdani’s position on Israel — something Jeffries has raised repeatedly. Over the summer, he made it clear that phrases like “Globalize the Intifada” were unacceptable, calling on Mamdani to clarify his views before earning support from key Democratic leaders.

“With respect to the Jewish communities that I represent,” Jeffries said Sunday, “our nominee is going to have to convince folks that he is prepared to aggressively address the rise in antisemitism in the city of New York, which has been an unacceptable development.”

Jeffries’ district is roughly 11% Jewish, and his public concern over Mamdani’s foreign policy stances is resonating with many who feel the Democratic Party has strayed too far left, particularly on issues of national security and the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Mamdani’s statements and policy proposals — including defunding the NYPD, embracing socialism, and enforcing “sanctions” on foreign leaders — have energized his base but alienated much of the Democratic mainstream. The candidate has also drawn fire for past comments viewed as hostile toward law enforcement and private enterprise.

While Jeffries maintains that he may have “more to say” before early voting starts next weekend, his silence so far speaks volumes. With major Democrats like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo now running as independents and Republicans rallying behind Curtis Sliwa, the fractured political landscape in New York City suggests Mamdani may be running out of time — and allies.