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Sen. Bernie Sanders made an unprecedented endorsement in the New York City mayoral fight Tuesday — throwing his support behind socialist wannabe mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Marking the first time the Vermont progressive senator has weighed into the Big Apple’s mayoral primary, Sanders called for new leadership just one week out from the June 24 vote.
“At this pivotal and dangerous moment in American history, status quo politics is not good enough,” Sanders said in a statement.
“We need new leadership that is prepared to stand up to powerful corporate interests and fight for the working class. Zohran Mamdani is providing that vision. He is the best choice for NYC mayor.”
The 33-year-old Queens Assemblyman quickly seized on the support, gushing that Sanders was the “single most influential political figure in my life.”
“As Mayor, I will strive to live up to his example by fighting for the working class every day and hopefully make Brooklyn’s own proud,” Mamdani posted on X.
Sanders’ endorsement comes after lefty firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez threw her backing behind the fellow socialist.
The support from two of the country’s biggest progressive leaders could help close the gap between Mamdani and frontrunner, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in the crowded race.
Mamdani, who has led a historic grassroots fundraising and canvassing effort, has zeroed in on young, white, ultra-left New Yorkers in his bid to become mayor.
Sanders didn’t endorse anyone in the 2021 mayoral race and only backed Bill de Blasio’s re-election bid in 2017 just one week out from Election Day.
It comes, too, after The New York Times’ editorial board echoed The Post’s advice in urging New Yorkers to leave Mamdani off the ballot altogether.
“He seems to lack the political savvy and instinct for compromise that has made Senator Bernie Sanders, his fellow democratic socialist, an effective legislator,” the Times said.
English (US)