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With the 2025 off-year election cycle underway, New York City candidate Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a prominent figure in the mayoral race, identifying himself as a democratic socialist. Yet just across the Hudson River, Mamdani’s campaign has largely gone unnoticed in New Jersey, where the focus is squarely on the state’s gubernatorial election. Many New Jersey Democrats have chosen to sidestep endorsing or even discussing Mamdani’s candidacy.
Representative Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor of New Jersey, made clear earlier this month that she would not engage with Mamdani’s campaign. She stated that her concentration remains solely on the New Jersey race. Sherrill emphasized, “I’m going to let the people of New York decide that race.”
The off-year election cycle has centered around a few key races, notably California’s ballot measure to address congressional districting, New York City’s mayoral election, and the gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey. While these races capture the attention of many, Mamdani’s candidacy has not attained similar prominence.
Understanding the Candidate’s Ideology
Mamdani’s self-identification as a democratic socialist has faced skepticism, with critics labeling him a communist. Mamdani has countered these claims, asserting that he does not subscribe to communist ideologies. Critics have cited his previous support for radical Marxist principles, such as advocating for the seizure of the means of production and proposing tax policies aimed at the wealthiest New Yorkers.
The Gubernatorial Election and Mamdani’s Lack of Support
As New Jersey gears up for its gubernatorial election, the state’s Democratic lawmakers seem largely uninterested in the developments surrounding Mamdani. Leaders from other states, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Attorney General Letitia James, have rallied behind Mamdani, creating a stark contrast to the Democratic officials in his own state.
Earlier this year, Sherrill suggested she would likely support Mamdani’s nomination if he became the Democratic candidate for mayor. However, her stance appears to have shifted as the election draws closer. In a July interview, she stated, “If he’s going to be working on efficient government, that’s something very interesting to me.”
Mamdani, in a local media interview, stated he would “absolutely” support Sherrill, further complicating the dynamics of the relationship between New Jersey Democrats and the New York City candidate.
Responses from Prominent New Jersey Politicians
New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker has also avoided addressing whether he supports Mamdani. In a CNN interview, Booker highlighted his focus on New Jersey politics, asserting, “We’ve got enough challenges in Jersey. I got a governor’s race. I’m supporting Mikie Sherrill. That’s where my energy is going to go into November.”
Similarly, current New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Andy Kim have not publicly expressed any views on Mamdani, further illustrating the reluctance among state officials to support the progressive candidate.
Opposition from Within the Party
Another prominent figure in New Jersey politics, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, has sharply criticized Mamdani. Describing him as a “job-killing socialist,” Gottheimer has been vocal about his opposition, stating that there is no ambiguity in his stance against Mamdani’s ideology.
