By Paul Bean
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) met Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, expressing in a tweet posted on Wednesday (7/16).
“Had a great meeting with @ZohranKMamdani and am deeply impressed by the grassroots campaign he is running,” Sanders wrote.
“The Oligarchs are prepared to undermine democracy & spend tens of millions to buy the election for his opponents. We will not allow that to happen. Stand with Zohran.”
Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and New York State Assembly member, won the Democratic nomination last month in a surprising primary victory.
“Zohran Mamdani defied expectations and will be the next Mayor of New York,” wrote Rep. Becca Balint on X yesterday (7/16). “He ran an indomitable grassroots campaign with a policy platform that gives New Yorkers hope for the future. Grateful to connect with him and learn more about his transformative progressive vision.”
His campaign has emphasized progressive policies, including free childcare funded by taxing corporations and the wealthy, building on the city’s universal preschool program initiated under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Mamdani has also advocated for rent control and government owned stores.
Mamdani recently clarified his stance on the phrase “globalize the intifada” following meetings with over 100 Jewish leaders and business executives. The phrase, which has drawn criticism for its anti-Israel connotations, prompted Mamdani to discourage its use while maintaining support for protesting the occupation of Gaza.
Sanders’ has a history of backing progressive candidates, drawing from his own 2016 presidential campaign, which raised $73 million from small donors.
The “grassroots” label for Mamdani’s campaign has been challenged by reports of $37 million in donations from George Soros-backed groups, including the Working Families Party. This funding, detailed by the New York Post, does not align with Sanders’ claim of fighting the oligarchy.