House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday warned that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) would come to regret his endorsement of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D).
Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, ran on a platform opposing establishment policies and promoting sweeping economic reforms — including a citywide rent freeze, free childcare, and no-cost public transportation, The Hill reported.
“I think it portends very dark times ahead for that city and for their party. And I’ll just tell you, as it relates to our midterm elections next year, the House Democrats own the consequences of that election because remember, Hakeem Jeffries came out and endorsed Mamdani in the end,” Johnson said during a Wednesday interview with RealClearPolitics.
“And so they’re all entwined together, and I think they’re going to rue that,” he added.
“House Democrats endorsed Mamdani’s dangerous policies – including defunding the police, seizing private property, and massive tax increases. Now, every House Democrat incumbent and candidate will co-own Mamdani’s disastrous record in the 2026 midterms,” the House Speaker wrote in a statement on X.
“Meanwhile, Republicans are fighting alongside President Trump to lower costs, make streets safer, secure our border, and deliver peace through strength. With exactly one year to go until the 2026 elections, the contrast between our parties has never been more clear,” he added.
However, despite skepticism from both Democrats and Republicans, Mamdani has remained committed to his left-wing extremist platform and the broad coalition of voters that propelled him to the mayor’s office, though nearly 50 percent of New Yorkers voted for someone else.
“Thank you for the opportunity to prove myself worthy of your trust. I will wake each morning with a singular purpose to make this city better for you than it was the day before,” Mamdani said in his Tuesday victory speech.
“There are many who thought this day would never come, who feared that we would be condemned only to a future of less with every election, consigning us simply to more of the same. And there are others who see politics today as too cruel for the flame of hope to still burn,” he added.
Mamdani added: “New York, we have answered those fears. Tonight, we have spoken in a clear voice. Hope is alive.”
To that end, Mamdani was shredded by critics over a tone-deaf request following his landslide victory on Tuesday.
Mamdani shared a video on X outlining the transition process ahead, emphasizing that “a lot of work” remains to be done. Addressing supporters, New York City’s new mayor noted his earlier request to pause campaign donations but now encouraged them to contribute funds for the transition.
He explained that the money would now be needed to hire experts, build infrastructure, and support the extensive preparations required for his incoming administration. “Thank you, New York City. Together we made history. Now let’s get to work,” he said in the video.
But Mamdani was slammed online after asking for money from the same hard-pressed working class New Yorkers he claimed to champion during his campaign.
He explained that the money would now be needed to hire experts, build infrastructure, and support the extensive preparations required for his incoming administration. “Thank you, New York City. Together we made history. Now let’s get to work,” he said in the video.
But Mamdani was slammed online after asking for money from the same hard-pressed working class New Yorkers he claimed to champion during his campaign.
One person wrote, “It’s been less than 24 hours since Mamdani won the election & he’s already asking for money. Congratulations New York City, bravo.”
Another added, “Islamist and Communist Mamdani promises ‘free’ stuff. Now he begs for donations?” Yet another person commented, “Already begging for money. What a joke.”