Will Zohran Mamdani ever run for US President? His answer speaks for itself | Today’s news
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has ruled out any future run for president, saying he has no interest in changing the US Constitution to get into the White House.
In an interview with ABC News’ This Week on Sunday, the 34-year-old democratic socialist laughed off suggestions that he might one day run for president, although he acknowledged his growing influence in the Democratic Party.
“The constitution looks good as it is”
Asked if he would support changing the constitution to seek the presidency, Mamdani gave a terse reply.
“No. I think the Constitution looks fine as is.”
According to the US Constitution, only natural-born US citizens age 35 or older can become president.
Born in Uganda, Mamdani moved to the United States as a child and became a naturalized American citizen in 2018, making him constitutionally ineligible for the presidency.
He says that democratic socialism can win nationally
While rejecting presidential ambitions, Mamdani argued that his brand of democratic socialism is growing beyond New York.
“I think a democratic socialist can be elected anywhere in this country to any position.”
His remarks came after three candidates he endorsed — Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier — won their Democratic primaries in New York.
Mamdani said the victory reflected a growing demand for a different political agenda.
“I think we’re seeing a hunger not just in New Yorkers, but frankly in Americans from coast to coast, for a new kind of politics that puts working people at the center.”
“Working people ask the same questions”
Asked if he plans to play a bigger role in the 2026 elections, Mamdani said the issues that helped his allies win resonate across the country.
“It’s not just New York where working people are asking themselves, why can’t I afford my rent, why can’t I afford my groceries, why can’t I find enough money in my pocket to take care of the kids, no matter how hard I work?”
He said the candidates he has endorsed will help carry that message to Congress.
“I am so excited that these incredible soon-to-be members of Congress will help lead the fight across the country.”
He urges Democrats to offer a broader vision
Mamdani argued that Democrats need to move beyond opposing President Donald Trump’s administration.
“For too long, as a party, we have had to say opposition to the current administration. What are we supposed to say other than that?”
He added: “What these candidates are offering is a vision that goes beyond the mid-term, beyond 2028.”
Defending the ideological diversity in the Democratic Party, Mamdani said, “I think what makes our party a beautiful party is the fact that it’s a big tent.”
When the ABC’s Jonathan Karl noted that Mamdani also called for the party to have “backbone”, the mayor quipped:
“Even the tent has to stay up.
He advocates supporting a controversial candidate
Mamdani also defended his support for Darialize Avila Chevalier, who has previously supported the abolition of prisons, borders and the police.
When asked whether these views could succeed at the national level, he shifted the focus to economic interests.
“Her candidacy focused on the struggle that working people face.
When pressed on whether he personally supports the abolition of prisons, Mamdani replied: “There are prisons.”
He added: “Security is not something that should be discussed.”
Read also | ‘Blue states are only going to get worse’: Trump slams Mamdani after New York primary win
He urges Democrats to listen to Israel
Mamdani said Democratic voters should shape the party’s approach to Israel.
“New Yorkers want to see a politics of conscience, a politics of clarity, a politics of conviction and adherence to international law, to believe in the humanity of all people.”
He added: “I think our party needs to hear what the Democrats are telling them.”
He refuses to support the formulation of a Jewish state
Asked if he supports a two-state solution, Mamdani did not directly answer, instead emphasizing equal rights.
“As I see it, there are equal rights for all people.”
When asked if he supported Israel specifically as a Jewish state, he replied: “I support the state of Israel as a state with equal rights.”
When Karl asked if he supported Israel as a Jewish state, Mamdani said, “I think any state that favors one religion over another is a state that I can’t tell you I support, whether it’s Israel or Saudi Arabia or anywhere else.”
Read also | Mamdani Vows to Defy SC Ruling Allowing Trump to Deport Haitian and Syrian Migrants
