Former President Barack Obama spoke with New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Saturday, days before Tuesday's general election.
The call between Obama and the Democratic Socialist leader comes as several prominent Democrats have kept their distance from Mamdani's campaign. A source familiar with the conversation confirmed the call CBS News.
President Obama's “words of support” were appreciated, Mamdani's campaign spokesman said in a statement. They discussed “the importance of bringing a new kind of politics to our city.”
Mamdani, 34, won the June Democratic primary against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is now running as an independent. Republican Curtis Sliwa completes voting in the general election. (RELATED: Andrew Cuomo Warns Stephen A. Smith That Zohran Mamdani's Victory 'Will Be the Death of the Democratic Party')
Breaking News: Former President Barack Obama, who did not endorse a candidate for mayor of New York, called Zohran Mamdani and praised his campaign. https://t.co/anY8uu9VV0
— New York Times (@nytimes) November 1, 2025
The National Democrats were wary of Mamdani. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries waited until October 24 to approve to him. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, who both represent New York in the US Senate, have not endorsed anyone in the race.
Some Democrats openly oppose Mamdani. Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York endorsed Cuomo last month. “I am a democratic capitalist, not a democratic socialist. I support Andrew Cuomo. I cannot support a professed socialist with a thin resume to run the toughest city in America,” Suozzi said on social media.
Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy of New York also supports Cuomo despite past conflicts with the former governor. “He would be a much better choice for New Yorkers than Zoran Mamdani,” Langworthy told the publication.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders The Vermonter campaigned for Mamdani last week along with Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Sanders called Mamdani's potential victory an inspiration “for people all over our country and all over the world.”
The race could impact the 2026 midterm elections as Republicans defend their narrow House majority.
