House Democrats praise Mamdani after Ocasio-Cortez event

Democratic members of the House praised New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani following a closed-door breakfast he held in Washington along with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday. 

The meeting took place as Mamdani, coming off of his upset victory in June’s Democratic primary, seeks to consolidate support as the party’s nominee. He is also set to hold meetings with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). 

Mamdani has faced scrutiny since his win over his status as a democratic socialist and his avoidance of condemning the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which some pro-Palestinian activists have used amid the war between Israel and Hamas. 

But the early reception from lawmakers in attendance at the breakfast has appeared to be positive. NewsNation reported some comments from House members on the way out included that the meeting went “well” and that Mamdani is “inspiring.” 

They reportedly said the “globalize the intifada” phrase wasn’t discussed. 

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said in a post on the social platform X that Mamdani received an “energetic and welcoming” reception at the breakfast and thanked Ocasio-Cortez for organizing the event. 

“Proud of our Democratic nominee for NYC Mayor. Let’s win!” Garcia said. 

Mamdani reposted Garcia’s post.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), a former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called the meeting “fantastic,” telling reporters on the way out that Mamdani is talented, smart and authentic. She said the 33-year-old is bringing together “anybody who can see the reality of the success of his candidacy and his campaign.” 

She added that anyone who is choosing not to endorse Mamdani is “missing an opportunity.” 

Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) told NewsNation that one possible vulnerability for Mamdani is that people above 40 years old may have a different association with the word “socialism,” as some think of former communist leaders such as Joseph Stalin and Fidel Castro. But, he said, Ocasio-Cortez said young people view it as meaning battling corruption and fighting for workers. 

He told reporters he was “eager” to meet Mamdani. 

Some members, however, were more hesitant to share their thoughts on Mamdani’s candidacy and whether they support him.

Rep. Luz Rivas (D-Calif.) said Mamdani shared “tips and tricks” of how to use social media to share your message. During the primary campaign, Mamdani gained widespread attention for his social media videos that often received a large number of views online, boosting his campaign. 

Rivas said she appreciated learning the skills as a first-term member of Congress, but the meeting wasn’t about whether the members were supporting him and only about gaining communication skills. 

A few other Democrats in attendance left the meeting without speaking to press, including Reps. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), NewsNation reported. 

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), who was also in attendance, expressed concern about Mamdani and his proposals in a statement but said he’s always interested in learning how to better communicate and share his own message.

“I don’t think higher taxes, anti-job creating socialism, and an acceptance of antisemitic rhetoric is the right direction for America,” he said. “That said, I am always open to learning how I can reach more people with my commonsense, problem-solving approach.”

The meeting came after another Mamdani reportedly participated in Tuesday with business executives, at which he said he wouldn’t use the term “globalize the intifada” and would discourage others from using it as well.

Updated at 11:43 a.m. EDT