Context:

Zohran Mamdani, a progressive candidate in the New York City mayoral race, has been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, bolstering his campaign against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Sanders praised Mamdani as a visionary leader with a focus on taxing the wealthy and building a grassroots movement to counter corporate-dominated politics. Despite the opposition from a super PAC supporting Cuomo, Mamdani remains committed to addressing affordability and challenging the influence of wealthy donors. The race is further complicated by endorsements and support from various political figures, with Cuomo maintaining a lead in polls and receiving backing from significant unions and Orthodox Jewish groups. Mamdani's campaign emphasizes its strong volunteer base and cross-endorsements with other candidates to leverage the ranked-choice voting system in his favor.

Dive Deeper:

• Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have endorsed Zohran Mamdani, positioning him as the progressive choice in the New York City mayoral race against Andrew Cuomo, who has been criticized for his ties to wealthy donors.

• Sanders described Mamdani's campaign as inspirational and aligned with a broader movement to challenge oligarchy and authoritarianism, emphasizing the need for a grassroots approach to politics.

• Mamdani's campaign is focused on affordability and reducing the influence of billionaires in politics, contrasting with Cuomo's reliance on large donations and endorsements from key political figures.

• The race involves strategic endorsements, with Mamdani receiving support from figures like David Hogg, while Cuomo gains backing from unions and Orthodox Jewish groups, highlighting a divide in voter base and political strategy.

• Mamdani's campaign utilizes a strong volunteer network and cross-endorsements with city comptroller Brad Lander and former assemblyman Michael Blake to maximize support under the ranked-choice voting system.

• Cuomo, despite his controversial past, maintains a lead in polls and continues to receive endorsements from influential figures, including Henry Cisneros, who praised his focus on affordable housing.

• Mamdani's campaign is actively countering negative advertisements from a Cuomo-supporting super PAC by mobilizing volunteers and emphasizing grassroots efforts in the final days before the primary election.