AOC's Endorsement Shakes Up NYC Mayoral Race: Mamdani Gains Momentum

New York City mayoral race heats up as AOC endorses Zohran Mamdani. The endorsement of progressive standard-bearer Zohran Mamdani by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has injected new energy into the race for New York City mayor. Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York Assemblymember, is running on a progressive platform that includes free and fast bus service, a rent freeze, and increased taxes on the wealthy. While frontrunner Andrew Cuomo still holds a significant lead, recent polls show Mamdani closing the gap. "Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack," Ocasio-Cortez told The Times. The close race and the significance of Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement make this a key development in the election.