Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Thursday for withholding his endorsement of Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party’s nominee in New York City’s mayoral race, as reported [1] by Fox News.
During an interview with CNN’s Kasie Hunt, Omar said Schumer’s decision not to back Mamdani “makes no sense,” arguing that the Senate leader should follow the Democratic Party’s tradition of supporting its nominees.
“We as Democrats have always believed that, in an election, we support our party’s nominee,” Omar said.
“Schumer has pressured other Democrats to do just that, and he should be following his own advice.”
The Minnesota lawmaker’s remarks come as Mamdani’s campaign continues to generate controversy within the Democratic Party over his far-left platform and ties to socialist organizations.
Since his nomination, several party leaders have hesitated to publicly align themselves with him, citing policy differences and concerns about statements made by his supporters.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has endorsed Mamdani, though reportedly with reservations. Schumer, however, has refrained from offering any support, a silence that prompted Omar’s criticism.
When asked whether religion played a role in Schumer’s reluctance, Omar linked the issue to what she described as rising anti-Muslim sentiment.
“The tsunami of the anti-Muslim attacks that we are seeing is deeply concerning,” she said.
“And I would hope that the Democratic leader in the Senate would recognize that and would offer support not just to Mamdani, but the million Muslims who live in New York City and the millions who live in New York and in America.”
Omar also defended Mamdani against accusations of antisemitism after the candidate drew criticism for hesitating to condemn the slogan “Globalize the intifada.” She dismissed the concern as overblown.
“Well, everything he does or says seems to be called antisemitic,” Omar said.
“What I do know is that he has support from a broad coalition of New Yorkers. He’s got a huge coalition of Jewish voters that are supporting him. He’s got a huge coalition of Muslims of every sect. He’s got a huge coalition of young people who are supporting him.”
Omar credited Mamdani’s outreach efforts for building that base, saying his campaign “took the time to listen where the policy pains were for New Yorkers” and that voters “see hope in the kind of progress that he could create for New Yorkers.”
When asked whether she would support Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) if the congresswoman chose to launch a primary challenge against Schumer, Omar replied, “I would like Alex to do whatever it is that Alex wants, and I’ll be there to support her.”
Neither Schumer’s office nor Mamdani’s campaign responded to requests for comment about Omar’s remarks.