Ocasio-Cortez faces test of her political power

[RandySF]

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) faces a test of her political influence after endorsing a progressive candidate in the New York City mayoral race.

Ocasio-Cortez backed New York state Assembly member Zohran Mamdani on Thursday, pitching him as the best chance to upset former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the front-runner since before he entered the race.

Her endorsement is sure to raise progressive hopes and give Mamdani a much-needed boost ahead of the June 24 primary. But it will also draw attention to the strength of her political clout as she positions herself as the next standard-bearer for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing and possibly the party as a whole.

“She represents a younger, newer generation of Democratic voters,” said New York Democratic strategist Basil Smikle, adding that the movement she’s led has been “more forward looking with respect to the party, not just locally but nationally.”



https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5335539-ocasio-cortez-boosts-new-york/

[benpollard]

1. Mamdani is a Democratic Socialist, so he doesn't have much of a chance

In this age of "disaster capitalism," we need more Democratic Socialists to run for office around the country, even if just to expose people to an alternative to free market capitalism.

I wonder if he'll get Bernie's endorsement.

[RandySF]

2. He won't acknowledge Israel's right to exist.

Could be problematic in a NYC Democratic primary.