New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is positioning himself as a kingmaker as the Democrats’ left wing considers running a socialist presidential candidate in 2028. Last month, Mamdani met with Jimmy Williams Jr., President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, at Gracie Mansion to discuss organizing support for a socialist presidential candidate. Mamdani has also met with Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, and reportedly plans to meet with Shawn Fain, President of United Auto Workers, to discuss the matter.
Mamdani’s Meetings.
Mamdani’s meeting with Williams Jr. took place roughly one month after it was revealed that he had signed an internal New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) petition in March, just weeks after becoming Mayor, which described Representative Alexandria “AOC” Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) as “the most viable left contender for president in 2028.”
However, despite having privately endorsed AOC, Mamdani has refused to make any public endorsements. While the DSA-backed mayor has claimed it is too early to make endorsements, he is also reportedly uncertain whether AOC will run for the White House in 2028. As such, potential left-wing alternatives have been floated, including Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) or a prominent labor movement figure.
The DSA and AOC.
Back in July, the National Political Committee (NPC), the DSA’s internal governing body, voted down a proposal for an all-member poll on backing a candidate in 2028. In September, the NPC also voted down a similar proposal for the DSA’s national convention to decide whether or not to endorse a candidate. As such, the NPC alone will decide the DSA’s presidential endorsement.
The NPC has long been divided over endorsing AOC for President. The so-called “right” of the DSA, which is more election-focused and open to cooperating with the Democrats, and represented by groups like the “eco-socialist” Groundwork and “popular front” Socialist Majority Caucus on the NPC, is strongly in favor of an AOC presidential bid. In contrast, the so-called “left” of the DSA, represented by overtly communist caucuses like the Marxist Unity Group and Red Star, are more skeptical, and even outrightly hostile, to the DSA endorsing AOC.
However, Bread and Roses, the largest “Marxist” caucus in the NPC, adopted a “Draft AOC” resolution at its convention last month, giving the DSA’s internal ruling body a pro-AOC majority and paving the way for a DSA endorsement in 2028.
Towards a Socialist Presidency.
The movement suggests growing nervousness on the Democrats’ left wing that a moderate, establishment figure could become the party nominee in 2028. Following the midterm election results, which saw Democrats take control of both the House and the Senate, Senator Jon Ossoff’s (D-GA) chances of becoming the nominee spiked significantly among betting sites and pollsters. Ossoff, who was re-elected earlier this month, is viewed by many on the left as too moderate on several key issues, such as immigration, fiscal policy, and the United States’ relationship with Israel.
Nevertheless, Mamdani’s meeting with labor leaders, alongside the DSA’s movement towards an official presidential endorsement, suggests that both the Democrat left’s politicians and activists are beginning to coalesce around a 2028 candidate.
