Democratic Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen has publicly criticized his party's Congressional leadership for their hesitation in endorsing Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral nominee for New York City and a self-proclaimed socialist.
This criticism was voiced during Van Hollen's speech at the annual Polk County Steak Fry in Des Moines, Iowa, where he accused his fellow Democrats of practicing "spineless politics."
According to the Daily Caller, Van Hollen, a known critic of President Donald Trump, has been urging his party to fight harder. He expressed his disappointment with New York lawmakers who have yet to support Mamdani's campaign, despite the candidate's meetings with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Both Schumer and Jeffries have refrained from endorsing Mamdani, despite pressure from the party's far-left wing.
Van Hollen addressed hundreds of Iowa Democrats at the fundraising event, stating, "Many Democratic members of the Senate and the House representing New York have stayed on the sidelines. That kind of spineless politics is what people are sick of. They need to get behind him and get behind him now."
He further criticized his party for being overly cautious and too reliant on poll-driven, pundit-approved, and donor-pleasing messages.
Despite Mamdani's victory in securing the Democratic mayoral nomination in June, following a surprising primary win over former New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, top New York Democrats have been slow to back his candidacy. Notably, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and the state's junior Democratic senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, have yet to endorse Mamdani's campaign.
Schumer, who met privately with Mamdani, refrained from issuing an endorsement after their meeting. He told reporters, "We know each other well, and we're going to keep talking." However, a spokesperson for Schumer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Jeffries, who has met with Mamdani at least twice, responded to Van Hollen's criticism via a spokesperson, suggesting that the Maryland Democrat had no business commenting on New York City politics. Jeffries has defended his decision to withhold an endorsement, citing his constituents who he says are not asking him to publicly back Mamdani.
Despite the lack of endorsements from top Democrats, Mamdani holds a commanding lead over the crowded field, according to recent polling. A September New York Times/Siena College survey found the democratic socialist captured 46% of the vote, followed by former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo at 24% and perennial Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa at 15%.
Van Hollen, who is considered the sixth most liberal member of the Senate during the 119th Congress, has a history of defending controversial figures such as reputed MS-13 gang member and suspected human smuggler Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He has accused the Trump administration of violating the illegal migrant's alleged due process rights.
In his speech, Van Hollen emphasized the need for Democrats to confront injustice head-on, stating, "Our democracy cannot survive on silence or equivocation. It requires an absolute willingness to confront injustice head on." He also stressed the importance of fighting for a cause, rather than focusing solely on messaging, volume, or style.
As the November elections approach, it remains to be seen whether Mamdani's campaign will gain the full support of his party's leadership. Despite the lack of endorsements from top Democrats, his lead in the polls suggests that he may not need their backing to secure the mayoral seat.
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