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Former President Obama praised New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s (D) run in a recent call, according to multiple reports.
The New York Times reported Saturday the call happened that day, with the former president telling Mamdani he could be a “sounding board” later on. The call lasted about 30 minutes, two sources familiar with the matter told the Times.
Obama told Mamdani that he was interested in the New York Assembly member’s progress past Tuesday’s general election, the Times reported.
The Times first reported the call.
“Your campaign has been impressive to watch,” Obama said to Mamdani during the call, the Times sources told the paper.
In a statement obtained by the Times, Mamdani spokesperson Dora Pekec said that “Zohran Mamdani appreciated President Obama’s words of support and their conversation on the importance of bringing a new kind of politics to our city.”
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, shocked the political world a few months ago with a win over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in the Democratic primary for Big Apple mayor. Cuomo is now running as an independent for the mayoral role.
The New York Assembly member’s star has risen dramatically in recent months, with many talking about Mamdani’s campaign as a blueprint for Democrats nationwide to look at in future elections.
On Sunday, Mamdani made fun of Cuomo after President Trump backed him in a recent interview.
“Congratulations, @AndrewCuomo. I know how hard you worked for this,” Mamdani said in a Sunday post on social platform X.
Mamdani’s post also featured a large red graphic reading “TRUMP endorses CUOMO” in white text, with the president and the former governor depicted right next to each other at the bottom.
The Hill has reached out to Obama’s office and Mamdani’s campaign.
