Bernie Sanders backs Zohran Mamdani in New York City mayoral primary

Bernie Sanders has endorsed the leftwing New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in the latest boost to his insurgent campaign.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist like Sanders, is the main rival to the campaign of the former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who is seeking to rehabilitate his political career after leaving office amid sexual harassment allegations.

Cuomo, 67, began the race as a dominant favorite but Mamdani, 33, has surged in recent weeks, netting the key endorsement of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez. One poll even showed him edging into the lead.

“At this dangerous moment in history, status quo politics isn’t good enough. We need new leadership that is prepared to stand up to powerful corporate interests & fight for the working class,” said Sanders, a senator from Vermont and a powerful figure on the Democratic party’s progressive left.

Mamdani replied on X: “As for so many across this country, @BernieSanders has been the single most influential political figure in my life. As Mayor, I will strive to live up to his example by fighting for the working class every day and hopefully make Brooklyn’s own proud.”

The Democratic primary election to lead one of the biggest cities in the US will be held on 24 June, after early voting began on 14 June. The election will use ranked-choice voting, allowing voters to rank up to five candidates in order of preference.

New York’s current mayor, Eric Adams, who ran as a Democrat in 2021, is seeking re-election as an independent candidate and has been widely attacked by Democrats for his close relationship with Donald Trump.

The general mayoral election is set for 4 November.