A new face made waves in Washington today as New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani made his Capitol Hill debut — receiving a warm welcome from progressive powerhouses Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, while urging cautious Democrats to take a closer look at the rising political star.
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, the influential congresswoman from New York, revealed details of what she called a “productive and enlightening” meeting with Mamdani during a Democratic strategy session known as the Communication and Organizing Skillshare Breakfast held this morning in D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood.
When asked how Mamdani’s message was received, Ocasio-Cortez said the candidate offered fresh strategies to “level up” Democratic organizing and communication, especially around issues that matter to working-class voters.
Ocasio-Cortez: “We’re encouraging everyone — especially those with doubts — to meet Zohran before judging him based on media portrayals.”
While the Bronx congresswoman praised her colleagues for showing up with “good faith,” she declined to comment on whether House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries or Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer would formally endorse Mamdani. Both leaders have agreed to meet with him in New York later this week, though endorsements are still pending.
Meanwhile, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who endorsed Mamdani ahead of his primary victory last month, also voiced strong support. The two were seen exchanging greetings outside a Senate office building earlier today.
Sanders (clip from X): “Zohran is running a people-powered campaign. Billionaire interests will not be allowed to buy this election.”
Mamdani, in turn, called meeting Sanders “an absolute honor,” describing the senator as “Brooklyn through and through.”
But not all Democrats are on board. Moderate Rep. Tom Suozzi declined to attend today’s breakfast and remains a vocal critic of Mamdani’s campaign. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, announced earlier this week he will stay in the mayoral race as an independent.
Still, Mamdani is gaining momentum among House progressives.
🔹 Rep. Pramila Jayapal called him “inspiring.”
🔹 Rep. Ro Khanna labeled him “very impressive.”
🔹 Rep. Nydia Velázquez praised his authenticity, saying, “Money can’t buy what he brings to the table.”
Even Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan, who struck a more cautious tone, acknowledged that Mamdani’s campaign was skillfully run — especially on social media — and criticized the media for perpetuating fear of socialism within the party.
According to attendees, Mamdani focused less on ideology and more on practical messaging during his visit, emphasizing affordability as the core issue for New Yorkers and voters nationwide.
Rep. Luz Rivas told reporters, “He didn’t dive deep into policy. It was more about how he’s effectively getting the message out.”
With a general election victory widely expected, Mamdani’s Washington debut signals growing national interest in his candidacy — and exposes deeper rifts in the Democratic Party over its progressive future.
From Capitol Hill to City Hall, all eyes are now on the newcomer from Queens and how the party’s leadership will respond.
That’s the latest from Washington. Stay with SNEWS TV for continued coverage of the 2025 mayoral race and the shifting political tides on Capitol Hill.
Reporting by Katy Moore
