New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani appears on ABC News’ “This Week” on June 28, 2026.ABC News
Following the success of the candidates he endorsed in their democratic congressional primaries, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that his democratic socialist platform is capable of achieving victory nationwide.
“I believe that a democratic socialist can secure election in any part of this nation for any office,” Mamdani conveyed to ABC News’ “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl during an exclusive interview broadcast on Sunday.
The three candidates for the House of Representatives whom Mamdani put his backing behind – Claire Valdez, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Brad Lander – emerged victorious in their respective New York contests. Notably, Lander and Avila Chevalier unseated incumbent Democrats.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani appears on ABC News’ “This Week” on June 28, 2026.ABC News
“I perceive a widespread desire, not confined to New Yorkers but extending across America from coast to coast, for a different approach to politics, one that prioritizes the interests of working individuals,” Mamdani remarked.
When questioned by Karl about his intentions to leverage his political influence in contests beyond New York leading up to the midterm elections, Mamdani indicated that while his immediate focus is on the candidates he supports, the concerns that resonated in New York are shared nationwide.
“It’s not solely in New York City that working individuals are questioning why they struggle to afford their rent, their groceries, or find sufficient funds for childcare, regardless of their diligent efforts,” Mamdani stated. “I am incredibly encouraged that these soon-to-be members of Congress will play a leading role in advocating across the country to ensure that working people are positioned at the forefront of all discussions, where they rightfully belong.”
Prominent Democratic figures have attempted to diminish the significance of the progressive victories in New York on Tuesday, asserting that while the democratic socialist movement might succeed in liberal New York City, it is unlikely to fare well in competitive districts nationwide.
“The attempt to generalize the New York situation nationally will prove unsuccessful,” Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., commented to The Associated Press. “The events in New York will hold little relevance by the time the November elections arrive.”
Mamdani asserted that his “advocacy for working people” already constitutes a “national platform.”
“For an extended period, our party’s sole contribution has been opposition to the current administration. What is our message beyond that?” Mamdani inquired. “The candidates offer a perspective that transcends the midterms and extends beyond 2028.”
Mamdani suggested that he and the candidates he endorsed demonstrate the Democratic Party’s capacity to embrace his message.
“I believe the strength of our party lies in its inclusive nature, accommodating a diverse range of individuals,” Mamdani commented.
Karl pressed further, “But you have also stated that it must be a party with resolve, with fortitude.”
“Even a tent requires support to remain standing,” Mamdani responded.
“Some individuals are discomforted by the notion of a party that clearly identifies its beneficiaries and actively champions their cause daily. Over many years, we have witnessed a tendency to not only rationalize the existing state of affairs but, frankly, even to capitalize on it. This is not what working people seek from our party,” Mamdani elaborated.
ABC News’ Jonathan Karl sits down with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in an exclusive interview.ABC News
Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old community advocate and political novice, has faced scrutiny for her past declarations, including support for dismantling prisons, borders, and police forces.
When asked if her stances could resonate nationally, Mamdani defended his endorsement.
“I believe the Democratic Party can achieve national success by concentrating on working individuals. In my interactions with Darializa while traversing her district’s streets, I observed her focus on what she terms ‘the politics of life’,” Mamdani explained. “She emphasized the necessity of prioritizing investment in infants over armaments.”
When Karl further inquired about how her advocacy for abolishing prisons and open borders aligns with her campaign, Mamdani responded, “I believe we can hold differing opinions on policy matters.”
“So, we can have disagreements on fundamental issues like whether prisons should exist?” Karl asked.
“Prisons are a reality,” Mamdani stated. “And what we are also demonstrating in this city is that public safety is not a subject for debate; it is something we are actively ensuring.”
U.S. military backing for Israel was a pivotal issue in all three congressional races. Mamdani suggested that the election outcomes indicate the Democratic Party should “allow Democratic voters to set the direction” regarding the party’s stance on Israel.
“New Yorkers desire a political approach characterized by conscience, clarity, and conviction, adhering to international law and believing in the inherent dignity of all people,” Mamdani asserted. “I think our party must heed the sentiments of Democrats.”
Mamdani did not directly confirm whether he supports a two-state solution—the establishment of both a Jewish and a Palestinian state, which has been the prevailing stance of the Democratic Party for years.
“My perspective is centered on equal rights for everyone, and I believe this principle applies to Israel,” Mamdani stated.
When asked if he supports Israel’s existence as a Jewish state, Mamdani replied, he “supports the state of Israel as a state with equal rights.”
“But the question of it being a Jewish state remains,” Karl pressed.
“I believe any state that grants precedence to one religion over another is something I cannot endorse, whether it be in Israel, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere,” Mamdani responded.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com