Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, met privately Wednesday with progressive House Democrats in Washington to discuss campaign strategy and digital messaging, according to multiple attendees.
The off-the-record breakfast, organized by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), focused on Mamdani’s surprise primary win and the online strategy that fueled it. “His economic message cut through,” said Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), praising the campaign’s viral content and volunteer organization.
The meeting drew praise from the left flank but deepened concern among party moderates. Rep. Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.) has labeled Mamdani “too extreme,” and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has withheld endorsement pending a one-on-one.
Bernie may be the great Senator from Vermont but he’s Brooklyn through and through.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 16, 2025
An absolute honor to meet with one of my heroes and the champion for working people across our country, @BernieSanders. https://t.co/6r18I3XJu3
As Democrats search for a sharper message ahead of the 2026 midterms, some see Mamdani’s cost-of-living focus as a model. Others worry his Democratic Socialist label could alienate swing voters in key races. Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez declined to speak with reporters after the meeting.
