Fact Check: Ocasio-Cortez Endorsed a Slate of Candidates in the Democratic Primary, Making Zohran Mamdani Her Top Choice
What We Know
On June 5, 2025, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly endorsed Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani as her top choice in the New York City mayoral race, which is set to take place on June 24, 2025. This endorsement was significant as it came during a critical time in the campaign, where Mamdani was seen as a serious challenger to former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has maintained a lead in early polling (source-1). Ocasio-Cortez also indicated that she would rank other candidates in her endorsement, specifically naming Adrienne Adams as her second choice, followed by Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, and Zellnor Myrie (source-2; source-4).
The context of this endorsement is critical; Ocasio-Cortez's support aims to consolidate progressive votes in a ranked-choice voting system, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. This strategy is intended to prevent a split in the progressive vote that could benefit Cuomo, who represents a more moderate faction of the Democratic Party (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that Ocasio-Cortez endorsed a slate of five candidates, with Mamdani as her top choice, is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times, Politico, and other major news outlets confirm that Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement included a ranked list of candidates, with Mamdani at the top (source-1; source-2).
However, while Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement of Mamdani is clear, the effectiveness of this strategy in uniting the progressive vote remains uncertain. Critics have pointed out that despite her influence, the endorsement may not be sufficient to overcome Cuomo's established support among more moderate voters and labor unions (source-1). Furthermore, the political landscape is complex, with Mamdani facing challenges related to his age and experience, which could affect his appeal to a broader electorate (source-3).
The sources used in this analysis are reputable, including major news organizations known for their political reporting. However, it is essential to consider potential biases, particularly given the contentious nature of the primary race and the polarized views surrounding Cuomo and progressive candidates.
Conclusion
The claim that Ocasio-Cortez endorsed a slate of five candidates in the Democratic primary, with Zohran Mamdani as her top choice, is Partially True. While it is accurate that she endorsed Mamdani and provided a ranked list of candidates, the implications of this endorsement and its potential effectiveness in the primary remain uncertain. The political dynamics at play suggest that while her endorsement is significant, it may not be enough to unify the progressive vote against a well-established opponent like Cuomo.
Sources
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Zohran Mamdani as Top Choice for ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/nyregion/aoc-endorse-mamdani-mayor.html)
- AOC rallies against Cuomo 'gerontocracy' - POLITICO (https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/14/aoc-rallies-against-cuomo-gerontocracy-00406346)
- AOC endorses democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in ... (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/05/aoc-nyc-mayoral-race-endorsements)
- AOC endorses Zohran Mamdani for mayor in bid to beat Cuomo (https://www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-policy/aoc-endorses-mamdani-bid-beat-cuomo-and-ranks-adrienne-adams-second)
- AOC endorses Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayor race (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/05/aoc-endorses-democratic-socialist-zohran-mamdani/84046742007/)
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez releases NYC mayoral endorsement, ranked choices (https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/politics/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-releases-nyc-mayoral-endorsement-ranked-choices/6291297/)
- Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez endorses Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral race (https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/alexandra-ocasio-cortez-endorses-zohran-mamdani-nyc-mayoral/story?id=122552191)
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Shawn Fain endorse ... (https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/09/afzx-j09.html)