The cracks inside the Democratic Party are getting wider — and this time, it’s their own leadership drawing the line.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stunned viewers on Sunday when he said he does not see far-left New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani — a proud socialist and close ally of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — as part of the party’s future.
During an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, host Jake Tapper asked if Jeffries viewed Mamdani as “the future of the Democratic Party.” Jeffries didn’t hesitate.
“No,” he replied flatly. “The future of the Democratic Party lies with members who are doing great work all across the country.”
When pressed about whether Republicans might use Mamdani as a lightning rod to damage Democrats in 2026, Jeffries dodged the question — blaming Republicans for “failing the American people.”
Socialist Candidate Sparks Chaos Inside the Party
Mamdani, who proudly identifies as a Democratic Socialist, rocked the political world when he defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral primary — a shock that left party insiders scrambling.
Now, Cuomo is running as an independent, warning that Mamdani’s extremist agenda could destroy what’s left of New York City.
Jeffries offered his reluctant endorsement just weeks ago, calling Mamdani “a mayor for all New Yorkers.” But insiders say Democratic donors and strategists are quietly backing away, fearing his radical platform will alienate moderate voters across the country.
Cuomo Blasts Mamdani as ‘Most Divisive Candidate Ever’
Cuomo didn’t hold back when asked about Mamdani’s impact on New York politics.
“He’s the most divisive candidate I’ve ever seen,” Cuomo said on The Cats Roundtable. “He’s alienated the Jewish community, the Italian community, the LGBTQ community. He called the NYPD ‘racist, wicked, and corrupt,’ and even attacked Barack Obama as ‘evil and a liar.’”
Mamdani has also endorsed the decriminalization of prostitution, a stance that has outraged faith leaders and even Muslim groups who say it violates Islamic teachings.
Democrats Distance Themselves from the Far-Left Squad
Jeffries’ comments are the clearest sign yet that Democrat leaders want to break free from the Ocasio-Cortez “Squad” brand that has dragged the party into controversy and cost them millions of working-class voters.
For years, President Donald Trump and Republicans have warned that Democrats were being taken over by “socialist radicals.”
Now, it seems even the party’s own leadership is starting to agree.
As the 2026 midterms approach, Democrats appear desperate to distance themselves from AOC, Mamdani, and their far-left allies — hoping to rebuild what’s left of their fractured coalition before it’s too late.