Dean Phillips: Mamdani ‘grave threat’ to Democrats around US

Former Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) says New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is a “grave threat” to Democrats across the U.S.

“Mamdani, as you have referenced just moments ago, is a grave threat to Democrats around the country. He could be the mayor of New York,” Phillips told CNN’s Omar Jimenez on “Laura Coates Live.”

“I think that would be detrimental for the party. Anyone who talks about seizing the means of production or opening government-run grocery stores is at great odds with most of the country,” he added.

Some Jewish Democrats on Capitol Hill have also raised concerns about Mamdani’s victory as the Democratic nominee for New York City’s mayor, saying him not condemning the phrase “globalize the intifada” or acknowledging Israel as a Jewish state could be risky amid a current moment of rising antisemitism in the U.S.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, recently shocked American political observers with his win over political heavyweight and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary for mayor. 

“When Democrats elevate people like Mamdani — and look at him, I do not know him. I can’t — I’m not going to disparage him personally, but I can tell you, based on what I’ve read about his positions, his platform, you know, it’s nonsensical to believe that America is looking for democratic socialists around the country,” Phillips said.

“In urban America, in some cases, they may succeed,” he added.

Mandani has said his platform would be successful with candidates outside of his city.

“Do you think that is a platform that would work for other candidates running in other parts of the country?” MSNBC’s Jen Psaki asked Mamdani in an interview on “The Briefing” last month.

“Absolutely,’ Mamdani responded. “I think, ultimately, this is a campaign about inequality. And you don’t have to live in the most expensive city in the country to have experienced that inequality, because it’s a national issue.”

The Hill has reached out to Mamdani’s campaign for comment.