Jeffries dodges on whether socialist NYC mayor signals party’s future

Following Zohran Mamdani’s decisive mayoral victory in New York Metropolis on Tuesday, Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries dodged questions on whether or not the self-described democratic socialist is the way forward for the Democratic Social gathering.

“You had document turnout in New York Metropolis for this election. Would you say Mamdani is the way forward for the Democratic Social gathering?” a reporter requested Jeffries throughout Wednesday’s information convention on Capitol Hill.

“What Democrats throughout the nation have finished is delve into the problem of affordability as a result of the truth that America’s overpriced prices are too excessive, and Donald Trump and the Republicans haven’t solely not finished something about it, they’ve made it worse because of the Trump tariffs, that are the results of exploding the clear vitality economic system,” Jeffries responded.

“That is why electrical payments are skyrocketing. And now, in fact, they’re forcing these dramatically elevated well being care premiums on the American folks.”

SOCIALIST SHOCKWAVE: ZOHRAN MAMDANI WINS NYC AS VOTERS TURN POWER TO THE FAR LEFT FLANK OF THE Democrats

Consultant Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani (Eric Lee/Bloomberg through Getty Photos; Stephanie Keith/Getty Photos)

Jeffries was additionally requested if he personally likes the truth that town he represents, America’s most populous metropolis, is run by a socialist.

In response, Jeffries merely replied that Mamdani “is the elected mayor of town of New York. It’s everybody’s job to make sure that he’s profitable.”

Though Mamdani was rapidly endorsed by among the nation’s most progressive leaders, comparable to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-Y, the Democratic Social gathering’s prime management was slower to present his blessing. Jeffries didn’t reply till simply earlier than voting started on October 24 whether or not he would assist Mamdani. Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has by no means issued a press release of assist for Mamdani. Nonetheless, he referred to as his election victory “historic.”

Mamdani, a 34-year-old immigrant from Uganda, is the primary Muslim mayor of New York Metropolis.

WILL ELECTION DAY 2025 BE REMEMBERED AS THE RISE OF THE SOCIALISTS?

Zohran Mamdani provides a victory speech at an evening watch get together for the mayor on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in New York Metropolis. (Yuki Iwamura/AP)

Regardless of dodging these questions, Jeffries acquired an an identical query earlier this week about whether or not Mamdani is the way forward for the Democratic Social gathering, prompting him to say, “I believe the way forward for the Democratic Social gathering, so far as we’re involved, goes to break down in comparison with the Home Democratic Caucus and the members who’re doing nice work throughout the nation, as a result of it ties into our must each take again management of the Home.”

Jeffries referred to as Tuesday evening’s election a “massive evening for the American folks” and a “massive evening for the Democratic Social gathering.”

Along with New York Metropolis, Democrats received main victories in California, Virginia and New Jersey. Jeffries referred to as the election outcomes “a decisive repudiation of Donald Trump and a failed Republican coverage.”

This comes as the federal government shutdown as a result of expiring Obamacare subsidies and well being care advantages enters day 36 and turns into the longest shutdown in US historical past.

Senate Democrats have voted 14 occasions to reject a Home-passed decision finances continuation invoice that might reopen the federal government.

Nonetheless, Jeffries indicated he believes Tuesday’s election confirmed the nation is blaming President Donald Trump and Republicans for the shutdown and that extra Democratic victories are in retailer in 2026.

VANCE PROVIDES REALITY CHECK AFTER THE ELECTION, ARGUES GOP MUST MAKE LIFE AFFORDABLE OR IT WILL BE COVERED IN 2026

Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., proper, give reporters an replace after assembly with President Donald Trump and Republican leaders in Washington on September 29, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photograph)

“We’re going to take again management of america Home of Representatives. So let’s be very clear about that,” he mentioned. “Primarily based on the local weather that we all know exists, and that, as Democrats, has been the fact for the previous couple of months. However now it has been affirmed by the American folks.”

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He additionally praised the passage of a redistricting proposal in California, which was backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, saying it will additional assist Democrats retake the Home.

“Keep tuned as a result of there’s extra to come back,” he mentioned. “The Republicans won’t be able to rig the midterm elections. That plan is over. Buried useless within the floor. And so we’re going to take again management of the Home of Representatives and struggle for each inch of territory.”