Mamdani laughs off concern about tax hikes during discussion about whether his proposals will compel a NYC exodus
NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani laughed alongside hosts from the "FLAGRANT" podcast as they dismissed concerns about the self-proclaimed socialist raising taxes on New Yorkers. (CREDIT: Andrew Schulz's Flagrant w Akaash Singh; Oct. 22, 2025)
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is remaining quiet on the New York City mayoral race, despite his self-imposed deadline of weighing in before early voting fast approaches on Saturday morning.
The top House Democrat was asked multiple times about Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, and whether he will endorse him, during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Friday.
Jeffries has said multiple times that he would speak about the race before early voting begins in New York City — which is coming at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday.
"Stay tuned," he told one reporter when asked if he was ready to endorse Mamdani.
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Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani (R), Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa (L), and Independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo participate in the second New York City mayoral debate at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Queens, New York, Oct. 22, 2025. (Hiroko Masuike/Pool/AFP)
"As I've said, I will have more to say about the mayor's race when I have more to say about the mayor's race in advance of early voting, when I'm back home tomorrow."
Fox News Digital then asked why Jeffries was waiting until the 11th hour to weigh in on the race, to which he tersely responded, "This question has been asked and answered repeatedly."
Notably, Jeffries would not have been able to make his endorsement at the press conference. Lawmakers are barred from making political statements or solicitations on Capitol grounds.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters following the weekly Senate policy luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 7, 2025. (Allison Robbert/AP Photo)
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Mamdani is the current frontrunner in the race between himself, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an Independent.
While he's gained support from progressives in Congress, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., the top two Democrats on Capitol Hill — Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. — have been silent.
Politico reported on Friday afternoon that Jeffries would endorse Mamdani later Friday.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/stay-tuned-jeffries-repeatedly-dodges-mamdani-endorsement-self-imposed-deadline-looms