Rep. Jerry Nadler campaigns alongside NYC mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, denouncing Cuomo–Trump “collusion” claims, while facing criticism for backing a candidate with an anti-Israel past.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), the most senior Jewish member of the U.S. House of Representatives, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Monday, launching a scathing joint attack on former Governor Andrew Cuomo and former President Donald Trump.
Speaking to supporters, Nadler accused the two political heavyweights of collusion after the Democratic primary — citing a New York Times report claiming Cuomo sought Trump’s advice and held multiple phone calls with him.
“New York has always stood up to bullies and defended what’s right, even when it’s difficult,” Nadler said. “This betrayal shows exactly what we’re up against: politicians willing to legitimize our city’s greatest threat for their personal benefit. The truth is, Cuomo and Trump are very similar.”
Nadler went further, alleging that both men “serve themselves and their wealthy donors, not the people,” and urging New Yorkers to see the upcoming mayoral race as a defining choice for the city’s future.
Mamdani, who defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary but now faces him as an independent challenger, echoed Nadler’s criticism, condemning any suggestion of behind-the-scenes coordination between Cuomo and Trump.
Both Trump and Cuomo have denied the report. Cuomo told reporters, “I couldn’t remember the last time I spoke to President Trump… I have never spoken to him about the mayor’s race.” Trump also denied any conversations, telling reporters in the Oval Office, “I haven’t, no I haven’t.”
Nadler’s Endorsement Raises Eyebrows
Nadler’s appearance alongside Mamdani is politically charged, given the candidate’s anti-Israel positions. Mamdani has been criticized for refusing to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada” and for publicly attacking Israel on October 8, 2023 — one day after Hamas massacred civilians in southern Israel.
Nadler himself has a complex relationship with Israeli politics, having once called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “the worst leader in Jewish history,” though he attended Netanyahu’s address to Congress “out of respect for the State of Israel and the office of the Prime Minister.” He has also accused Trump of antisemitism after the former president criticized liberal Jews on Rosh Hashanah via Truth Social.
With the race tightening and allegations swirling, Nadler’s decision to campaign with Mamdani is sure to inflame tensions within New York’s political and Jewish communities — while adding a new twist to an already contentious mayoral battle.
