Former Vice President Kamala Harris exhibited a reserved stance towards socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani during her appearance on MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show. The discussion, which aired on September 23, 2025, comes in the wake of Governor Kathy Hochul's (D-NY) open endorsement of Mamdani, highlighting a rift within Democratic ranks concerning his candidacy.
Maddow's direct inquiry about Mamdani elicited a tepid response from Harris. "Look, as far as I'm concerned, he's the Democratic nominee, and he should be supported," Harris stated. This remark, while signaling nominal support, lacked the enthusiastic endorsement typically extended to party nominees.
Pressing further, Maddow sought a definitive endorsement, to which Harris responded, "I support the Democrat in the race, sure!" before swiftly steering the conversation away from Mamdani, indicating a reluctance to dwell on the subject.
Harris then shifted focus to other Democrats running for mayor across the United States, seemingly to dilute the attention on New York's race. "He's not the only star in Democrat politics," she commented, mentioning Barbara Drummond of Mobile, Alabama, and Helena Moreno of New Orleans as notable candidates. Harris's remarks underscored her intent to avoid New York-centric perspectives, advocating for recognition of Democratic talent nationwide.
Mamdani, a New York State Assemblyman and avowed socialist, has been a polarizing figure within the Democratic Party. His lead in recent polls for the New York City mayoral race has been a testament to his rising influence, despite the divisions his candidacy has caused.
Earlier this year, Mamdani's primary victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo marked a significant milestone in his political trajectory, placing him at the vanguard of the municipal slate for the party. The general election presents a diverse field, including Mamdani, Cuomo, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, each with their respective support bases and name recognition.
Polls from CBS News suggest Mamdani holds a lead in the four-way race, although hypothetical head-to-head matchups indicate Cuomo would have the upper hand against him.
The interview with Harris on the Rachel Maddow Show highlights the nuanced positions prominent Democrats are taking regarding Mamdani's candidacy and the broader conversation about the party's direction and unity.
