Zohran Mamdani refuses to say if Schumer should face election challenge — as he lunches with AOC

Well, that was awkward.

One of Zohran Mamdani’s staffers cut short an interview with Politico when the mayor-elect was asked if Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer should face a primary challenge in 2028.

“I’m sorry, Joe, we gotta go,” a Mamdani spokesperson interrupted reporter Joe Anuta, according to the report.

The cringey exchange came a day after Mamdani’s historic Election Day victory, a result with earth-shaking implications for New York City and the Democratic Party.

The unapologetic democratic socialist received a mixed-to-cool reception from many establishment Democrats during his phenomenal rise from dark horse mayoral candidate to mayor-elect.

Schumer notably did not endorse Mamdani, but did post a statement congratulating him on his victory.

Progressive Dems, however, have rallied behind Mamdani, who had lunch with firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx) – one of his biggest backers – Wednesday in Queens, documenting the powwow in a post on X.

“A busy first day as your Mayor-elect: early morning interviews, transition announcements and meetings. More to say on all of it tomorrow,” he wrote.

“But a highlight was lunch with my Congresswoman @AOC at Laliguras Bistro in Jackson Heights.”

Some Democrats have been pushing Ocasio-Cortez to primary Schumer.

Schumer – the ultimate Democratic insider – pointedly withheld endorsing Mamdani, or even say how he voted in the city’s election.

Anuta, the Politico reporter, doggedly tried to get Mamdani to answer the query about whether Schumer should face a challenge, despite the interruption.

“I’m focused on this transition my brother, but thank you,” Mamdani said, the report states.