Obama And Mamdani Speak By Phone

Former President Barack Obama spoke with New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Saturday, days before Tuesday’s general election.

The call between Obama and the democratic socialist frontrunner comes as several prominent Democrats have kept their distance from Mamdani’s campaign. A source familiar with the conversation confirmed the call to CBS News.

“President Obama’s words of support” were appreciated, a Mamdani campaign spokeswoman said in a statement. The two discussed “the importance of bringing a new kind of politics to our city.”

The 34-year-old Mamdani won June’s Democratic primary against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who now runs as an independent. Republican Curtis Sliwa rounds out the general election ballot. (RELATED: Andrew Cuomo Warns Stephen A. Smith That Zohran Mamdani Win ‘Would Be The Death Of The Democratic Party’)

Breaking News: Former President Barack Obama, who has not endorsed a candidate for mayor of New York, called Zohran Mamdani and praised his campaign. https://t.co/anY8uu9VV0

— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 1, 2025

National Democrats have approached Mamdani with caution. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries waited until Oct. 24 to endorse him. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, who both represent the state of New York in the U.S. Senate, have not endorsed anyone in the race.

Some Democrats openly oppose Mamdani. Democrat Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York backed Cuomo last month. “I’m a Democratic Capitalist, not a Democratic Socialist. I endorse Andrew Cuomo. I cannot back a declared socialist with a thin resume to run the most complex city in America,” Suozzi said on social media.

Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy of New York also supports Cuomo despite past conflicts with the former governor. “He would be a far superior choice for the people of New York than Zohran Mamdani,” Langworthy told the outlet.

Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont campaigned for Mamdani last week alongside Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Sanders called a potential Mamdani victory an inspiration “to people throughout our country and throughout the world.”

The race could impact the 2026 midterms as Republicans defend their narrow House majority.