AOC Backs Mamdani First in Mayor’s Race as Progressives Rally to Oust Cuomo

The Queens-Bronx Congresswoman’s endorsement of Mamdani—her ideological ally and district neighbor—comes just weeks before the June 24 Democratic primary. Her statement praised Mamdani’s grassroots momentum and ability to unite working-class New Yorkers around a bold, forward-thinking agenda.

“Zohran has shown what it means to organize from the ground up,” AOC told The Times. “He’s building a coalition that reflects the real New York—diverse, resilient, and ready for change.”

Mamdani’s Momentum

Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and one of the youngest candidates in the field, has galvanized voters with a populist message focused on affordability and equity. His platform includes making city buses free, establishing universal subsidized childcare, and implementing a freeze on rent increases for stabilized apartments. The campaign echoes the grassroots tactics that first propelled Ocasio-Cortez to a surprise congressional victory in 2018, unseating longtime Democratic incumbent Joe Crowley.

Mamdani responded to AOC’s endorsement with gratitude and optimism. “Alexandria is a transformational leader,” he said in a statement. “Her win in 2018 changed the course of American politics. On June 24, we will do the same for New York City.”

Polls show Mamdani closing the gap with Cuomo, narrowing his deficit to 12 points in the first round of ranked-choice voting and 8 points by the 10th round, according to a recent Emerson College poll. With AOC’s endorsement and the momentum of progressive voters behind him, his campaign could receive a last-minute boost at a crucial time.

The Slate and Strategy

Ocasio-Cortez’s full ranked-choice slate includes five progressive candidates. In order, she has ranked Zohran Mamdani first, followed by Comptroller Brad Lander, City Council Speaker Crystal Adams, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, and State Senator Jessica Ramos. Four of the five endorsed candidates also appear on the Working Families Party (WFP) ticket, signaling a coordinated leftist push to consolidate the progressive vote and counter Cuomo’s resurgence.

Speaker Adams, a late entry into the race, welcomed AOC’s support with enthusiasm. “I’m honored to be endorsed by @AOC,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “She knows how to stand up to Trump and Cuomo alike—and she believes in our vision for a city that works for everyone, not just the wealthy elite.”

Taking on Cuomo

The endorsements come just one day after the first televised debate of the mayoral race, where AOC-aligned candidates jointly targeted Cuomo in a blistering attack. They accused the former governor of corruption, corporate allegiance, and a lack of remorse for the scandals that led to his resignation in 2021. The debate, watched by millions across the city, highlighted the ideological clash at the heart of this race: one between progressive reformers and an entrenched political heavyweight seeking redemption.

Cuomo, for his part, has brushed off the criticism, focusing his campaign on experience and stability. Still, the presence of a super PAC funded by corporate donors backing his campaign has fueled concerns among left-leaning voters and candidates alike.

A Rising National Figure

Ocasio-Cortez’s role in this race goes beyond city lines. Her national profile has grown as she tours the country alongside Senator Bernie Sanders at “Fight Oligarchy” rallies—mass events drawing tens of thousands in opposition to former President Trump’s influence and establishment politics. With speculation swirling about a potential Senate bid in 2028 against Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, AOC’s endorsements in this mayoral primary may be viewed as a test of her political capital both within New York and beyond.

What’s Next?

As the June 24 primary nears, all eyes are on how the progressive bloc will coalesce under the ranked-choice system. With Mamdani polling in second place and momentum building, AOC’s nod could be the deciding factor in reshaping the city’s leadership—and perhaps rewriting the rules of New York politics once again.