New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Challenges AIPAC and Party Leadership Ahead of Democratic Primaries

On Thursday night at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, sharing the stage with Sen. Bernie Sanders, denounced the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as “monsters” and announced his support for three progressive congressional candidates—former city comptroller Brad Lander (NY-10), Assemblymember Claire Valdez (NY-7), and activist Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY-13). He urged voters to back the slate in the June 23 Democratic primaries.

The Jerusalem Post

AIPAC, a long-standing pro-Israel lobby, has been accused of spending “millions in dark money” to back pro-Israel candidates in recent primaries. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who took office six months ago, framed the lobby’s financing as a barrier to ending “genocide” and to achieving broader progressive reforms.

The Jerusalem Post

Sen. Sanders linked AIPAC funding to “horrific foreign policy.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he and Mamdani “agree to disagree” on the contested races. Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright urged the party to “yell where we agree and whisper where we diverge.” Sanders adviser Faiz Shakir said Mamdani’s endorsements “matter” in swing districts. The National Republican Congressional Committee called Mamdani’s brand “toxic,” and AIPAC declined comment.

PBS News Hour

Moderate Democrats warned Mamdani’s far-left stance could jeopardize incumbents and alienate centrist voters. Jeffries publicly backed Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat, cautioning intra-party fights could fracture the party. Republicans label Mamdani a “bogeyman” and plan to use his profile in House races.

PBS News Hour

• “The monsters that we are up against, they take many different forms,” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor

The Jerusalem Post

• “They move millions in dark money to accomplish a single goal, to preserve their power, so that they can turn us against one another, instead of our leaders turning towards the moral change we all know to be necessary,” — Zohran Mamdani

CNN

• “The American people understand that a large part of our horrific foreign policy is impacted by AIPAC funding,” — Bernie Sanders, Senator

The Jerusalem Post

• “The mayor and I have agreed to strongly disagree as it relates to this particular race.” — Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

CNN

Mamdani’s endorsements could reshape New York’s congressional delegation, shifting the balance between progressive and moderate Democrats. The dispute over AIPAC’s role highlights growing intra-party debates on foreign policy and campaign finance, with potential ripple effects on the 2028 presidential race.

The Jerusalem Post

The June 23 primaries will decide whether Mamdani’s slate can unseat incumbents. Results will influence House leadership contests, guide Democratic strategies in swing districts, and shape the narrative heading into the 2028 election.

CNN