Former U.S. President Barack Obama has decided not to endorse Zohran Mamdani, the frontrunner in the upcoming New York City mayoral election, despite speaking with him over the weekend. The call between the two reportedly lasted several minutes, during which Obama offered to act as a “sounding board” for Mamdani, but he stopped short of giving his formal support.
The election, scheduled for Tuesday, will decide the city’s next mayor. Mamdani faces stiff competition from Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa in what has become one of the most closely watched races in the country. Obama’s decision to withhold his endorsement has sparked widespread political debate just days before voters head to the polls.
Mamdani’s campaign adviser Patrick Gaspard, who previously served as Obama’s White House political director and U.S. ambassador to South Africa, downplayed the decision. He said Obama follows a longstanding rule of not endorsing candidates in local races, choosing instead to support those running for federal office or governorships. “His call to Zohran is a huge boost at a critical moment and a signal to New Yorkers,” Gaspard told reporters.
However, Obama has broken this self-imposed rule in the past. He endorsed Bill de Blasio in New York City’s 2013 mayoral race, Rahm Emanuel in Chicago, Karen Bass and Eric Garcetti in Los Angeles, Rick Kriseman in St. Petersburg, and Caroline Simmons in Stamford, Connecticut. This record has led analysts to question why Mamdani did not receive similar support.
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Political Reactions and Speculation
Political strategists see Obama’s restraint as a significant signal. Rob Ryan, a Republican analyst, suggested that the decision reflected discomfort within the Democratic establishment. “Even Barack Obama realises Mamdani is bad for New York and the Democratic Party,” he said. “Obama is trying to protect other Democrats from the stain of supporting a communist for mayor in America’s greatest city.”
While Mamdani’s campaign insists that Obama’s call alone is a positive gesture, critics argue that the lack of endorsement could hurt his credibility with moderate Democrats and independents. The move also comes as Obama campaigned across the Hudson River in Newark, New Jersey, for Governor Mikie Sherrill, but chose not to cross into New York City to appear publicly with Mamdani.
This absence has added to speculation that Obama is maintaining a cautious distance from the race. Political observers note that the former president’s influence remains powerful, and his silence may sway undecided voters who view endorsements as a sign of trust and credibility.
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Opposition and Cross-Party Criticism
Adding to Mamdani’s challenges, current U.S. President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk have also withheld their endorsements. Musk, speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, called Mamdani a “charismatic swindler,” claiming his policies would “cause a major decline in living standards.” He urged voters to back Andrew Cuomo, describing him as a “realist alternative.”
President Trump echoed a similar view during an interview on 60 Minutes, calling Cuomo “the lesser evil.” “I’d rather see Cuomo — a bad Democrat — run the city than a communist,” Trump said.
With leading figures from across the political spectrum declining to offer support, Mamdani faces mounting scrutiny in the final days of the campaign. His progressive platform on housing, social justice, and public safety has energized younger and left-leaning voters but continues to divide party insiders and business leaders.
Despite the absence of big-name endorsements, Mamdani’s supporters remain confident. They argue that his campaign is driven by grassroots enthusiasm rather than elite approval. However, with Obama, Trump, and Musk all refusing to back him, the political spotlight has intensified on how New Yorkers will respond when they cast their votes on Tuesday.
