New York Attorney General Letitia James publicly criticized socialist Muslim New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his efforts to reshape the Democratic Party by backing a slate of democratic socialist candidates in statewide races, saying many of those he endorsed lack the experience and understanding needed to represent New York’s diverse communities.

In an interview with CNN, James voiced frustration over Mamdani’s political endorsements following his election victory last November, arguing that several of the candidates he supported are disconnected from the districts they hope to represent.

“Some of the candidates that he has supported are individuals who do not understand the politics of New York City, the cultural differences from district to district, who have not been part of the history and the struggle of some of these districts, and are relatively new to the body politic,” James told CNN.

The attorney general also contended that a number of Mamdani-backed candidates lack a sufficient understanding of issues involving race and economic inequality, according to the network.

Despite those criticisms, Mamdani’s influence was evident in this week’s Democratic primaries. Several candidates he endorsed scored victories, including Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier in congressional races, along with two successful campaigns for the state Senate and four wins in contests for the State Assembly.

James acknowledged that dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party is widespread but warned against pursuing sweeping ideological changes.

James said other political colleagues have expressed that they are “disappointed” in Mamdani’s push to change the party.

“All of us are a little frustrated with the Democratic Party. But you don’t blow it up. That’s what MAGA has done,” James told CNN.

Mamdani’s growing political influence has also prompted concern among some Democrats, who worry his endorsements could strain relationships with members of Congress, business leaders, investors, and other influential figures across New York.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, however, dismissed suggestions that the Democratic Party is drifting too far to the left because of Mamdani’s rise.

“No, Donald Trump has a working relationship with the mayor of the city of New York, and he’s made that publicly and explicitly clear to America not once but twice in the Oval Office,” Jeffries said to reporters when asked if the party was moving too far left after Tuesday’s primary results.

President Donald Trump and Mamdani met at the White House in both February and November, surprising many observers. Photographs from the meetings showed the two shaking hands and smiling despite their political differences.

Even so, Trump weighed in on the primary results Wednesday with a post on Truth Social, offering a pointed warning about the direction of American politics.

“America the Beautiful will NEVER be a Communist Country!!!” he said.

{Matzav.com}