Chuck Schumer Silent as Van Hollen Rips NY Democrats Over Zohran Mamdani Snub

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., criticized top New York Democrats over the weekend for refusing to endorse New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, calling their hesitation “spineless politics.”

As Fox News reported, speaking at an event in Iowa on Saturday, Van Hollen did not name individual lawmakers but pointed directly to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, both of whom represent New York and have not backed Mamdani despite meeting with him multiple times.

“Many Democratic members of the Senate and the House representing New York have stayed on the sidelines,” Van Hollen said. “That kind of spineless politics is what people are sick of. They need to get behind him and get behind him now.”

Van Hollen also criticized the Democratic Party more broadly, accusing it of lacking direction.

“We’ve become a party that too often trims its sails. Too cautious, too rudderless. Too attached to poll-washed, pundit-rinsed, and donor-dried messages. What comes out of the wash is all bleached and blow-dried,” he said.

Jeffries’ office responded through spokesperson Justin Chermol, who told The New York Times, “Leader Hakeem Jeffries will have more to say about the general election well in advance of Nov. 4.

Meanwhile, confused New Yorkers are asking themselves the question: Chris Van Who?”

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Schumer confirmed he had met with Mamdani last week. “We had a good meeting,” Schumer told reporters. “We know each other well, and we’re going to keep talking.”

Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has been a controversial figure within the party since winning the Democratic primary earlier this year. His nomination has divided Democratic leaders in New York, with some urging support and others withholding endorsement.

Following Van Hollen’s remarks, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul formally endorsed Mamdani in a Sunday opinion piece published in The New York Times. Hochul acknowledged disagreements with Mamdani but said they shared goals on affordability and public safety.

“Mr. Mamdani and I don’t see eye to eye on everything, and I don’t expect us to,” Hochul wrote.

“I will always reserve the right to disagree honestly and to argue passionately. But I also believe that New York State and New York City are at our best when we stand together against those who attempt to tear us apart.”

As of Monday, Schumer and Jeffries have not publicly endorsed Mamdani. Requests for comment from both leaders were not immediately returned.

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