Story perspectives

AG James rebukes mayor’s socialist picks; Jeffries cites poll lead

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Letitia James rebuked Mayor Zohran Mamdani for endorsing Democratic Socialist candidates lacking understanding of race and class issues.
Mamdani’s endorsements back Brad Lander (10th) and Darializa Avila Chevalier (13th) against Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the criticism, said his ties to the mayor are unchanged, and noted polls showing Lander 57% to 23% against Goldman and Avila Chevalier 39% to 35% against Espaillat.

History

Historical Context

During the August 1968 Democratic National Convention, Mayor Richard J. Daley deployed police and the Illinois National Guard against roughly 10,000 anti-war demonstrators, resulting in about 600 arrests and nationwide outrage. The violence spurred reforms to delegate-selection rules, shaping modern primaries. Today, Attorney General Letitia James and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani clash over endorsements, echoing that historic battle over party direction.

1 of 2

Story summary

Attorney General Letitia James rebuked Mayor Zohran Mamdani for endorsing Democratic Socialist candidates lacking understanding of race and class issues.
Mamdani’s endorsements back Brad Lander (10th) and Darializa Avila Chevalier (13th) against Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the criticism, said his ties to the mayor are unchanged, and noted polls showing Lander 57% to 23% against Goldman and Avila Chevalier 39% to 35% against Espaillat.

1 / 2