(JEWISH VOICE NEWS) Former President Barack Obama personally phoned Zohran Mamdani, the frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race, to congratulate him on his campaign and offer to serve as a “sounding board” if he wins, The New York Times reported.
According to the Times, Obama praised Mamdani’s campaign during their 30-minute conversation, telling him it had been “impressive to watch.” Mamdani, in turn, told the former president that his own recent speech on Islamophobia drew inspiration from Obama’s landmark address on race during his first presidential run.
The Times noted that while Obama has not formally endorsed Mamdani—consistent with his practice of steering clear of municipal races since leaving office—the outreach nonetheless represents a significant gesture of support at a moment when many Democratic leaders have kept their distance from the controversial candidate.
Mamdani, a self-described anti-Israel activist who has made the Palestinian cause central to his political identity, continues to face criticism from Jewish leaders alarmed by his rhetoric. Despite the controversy, he remains ahead in the polls over his main rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a pro-Israel centrist, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
The Times also reported that the two men discussed a possible in-person meeting in Washington, marking Obama’s second personal call to Mamdani since his primary victory in June.
