Sen. Fetterman Criticizes Zohran Mamdani, Says He Doesn't 'Really Agree With Virtually Any' Of His Policies

Democratic Senator John Fetterman criticized the party's mayoral candidate in New York City, Zohran Mamdani, saying he doesn't "really agree with virtually any" of the policies he proposes.

"He's not even a Democrat, honestly," Fetterman added when referencing Mamdani being a democratic socialist. He added that his victory of Andrew Cuomo in the party's primaries was a gift for the Republican party, calling it "Christmas in July for the GOP." "Provided an opportunity for the GOP to brand our party," he added.

It is the latest clash between the senator for Pennsylvania and the more progressive wing of the Democratic party. He has been a vocal critic of some stances, even leading some Republicans to believe there is a chance to make him cross the aisle.

Fetterman has rejected the possibility, but has remained critical of statements from progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, recently berating her for suggesting President Donald Trump should be impeached following the U.S. bombing of Iran's nuclear sites.

"He's been impeached twice, and now he's still our president," Fetterman said. "It's not going anywhere, and I don't think that's helpful," he said in late June after the episode. "I think if you throw that term around, that actually diminishes what the severity of what impeachment is really reserved for," he added.

Mamdani, on his end, has received some endorsements from prominent Democrats, but so far the party has not united behind him ahead of the general election. The latest figure to support him is Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the city's most powerful Latino leaders.

"I'm proud to endorse him because New Yorkers deserve a mayor who will wake up every day and fight for them," Espaillat said.

However, House and Senate Minority Leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer have not endorsed anyone in the race so far.