Bill Kristol, NY Senator Sanders Endorse Zohran Mamdani NYC Mayor Race

Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and New York State Assemblyman, is running for mayor of New York City with a platform that includes free city buses, no-cost childcare, city-owned grocery stores, and a rent freeze on rent-stabilized units. His campaign has gained significant endorsements, including from NYS Senator James Sanders Jr., who cited affordable housing as a key reason for his support, and from Never Trump conservative Bill Kristol, who surprisingly backed Mamdani over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, drawing criticism and mockery from various conservative commentators. Mamdani's positions, such as ending U.S. military aid to Israel and supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, have alarmed figures like Herbert Block of the American Zionist Movement, who warned that Mamdani's potential mayoralty could weaken New York City's historic support for Israel. Critics of Kristol's endorsement argue it reflects a departure from conservative principles driven by opposition to Donald Trump rather than genuine support for Mamdani's policies. Despite controversy, Mamdani maintains a growing base, positioning himself as a transformative candidate aiming to address economic realities and social issues in the city.