‘Strongest to lead the pack’: AOC snubs Andrew Cuomo as she backs progressive underdog closing gap in NYC mayor race

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has officially endorsed fellow Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as her first choice for New York City mayor in the upcoming June 24 primary. The progressive congresswoman revealed her preferred slate of candidates in an interview with The New York Times on Thursday, ranking Adrienne Adams, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, and Zellnor Myrie after Mamdani.

According to Politico, the endorsement comes at a crucial time in the primary season, with only nine days remaining before early voting begins. Mamdani, who has been consistently polling in second place, has been gaining ground on front-runner and former Governor Andrew Cuomo in recent weeks.

“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, highlighting the overlap between their districts and political platforms. She emphasized the importance of getting “very real” about the race in its final stretch.

Progressive alliance faces uphill battle against former governor

Despite Ocasio-Cortez’s significant political influence, Cuomo maintains his position as the front-runner, leading by double digits throughout the race. The former governor, who resigned in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations, has secured endorsements from several congressional representatives, including Ritchie Torres, Greg Meeks, and Adriano Espaillat.

Mamdani, 33, shares progressive values with Ocasio-Cortez, 35, and represents parts of Queens alongside her. His campaign has focused on attracting younger, left-leaning voters with promises of free and rapid bus service, rent freezes, and increased taxation on wealthy residents.

The race has intensified recently, with Cuomo and Mamdani engaging in a heated exchange during Wednesday’s debate, co-hosted by Politico and WNBC-NY, over who would be better equipped to challenge President Donald Trump. The debate featured nine contenders, with Cuomo being the primary target of criticism.

Supporters of non-Cuomo candidates, including those affiliated with the DREAM (Don’t Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor) movement, are leveraging the city’s ranked-choice voting system as a strategy to prevent Cuomo’s political comeback. However, the left-leaning candidates opposing him have yet to establish a unified front through cross-endorsements, and Ocasio-Cortez has indicated that no joint appearances are currently planned.