NYC Politics Heats Up: Booker's Silence on Mamdani and Strong Stance Against Defunding the Police

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) recently refused to endorse Zohran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral race, sparking controversy. Booker's avoidance of a direct endorsement comes alongside a strong condemnation of the "defund the police" movement. He emphasized unity and pragmatic governance while highlighting the overwhelming support for increased police presence in his own city of Newark, New Jersey following the George Floyd incident.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/2025-washington-dc-sixty-years-108935791.jpg?w=1024" alt="Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)">

Mamdani, a democratic socialist who previously advocated for defunding the NYPD, has faced criticism for his stance on Israel and failure to condemn antisemitic slogans. He recently backtracked on his previous calls to defund the police in the wake of a recent mass shooting in Manhattan.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/080425-nyc-mayoral-candidate-zohran-109210481.jpg?w=1024" alt="NYC Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani">

Booker's decision not to endorse Mamdani, alongside the lack of support from key Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, highlights the political divisions within the Democratic party and the challenges Mamdani faces in his campaign.

Despite Mamdani's recent shift on the "defund the police" issue, Booker remains firm in his opposition, stating that the movement is inherently wrong. This clash of viewpoints underscores the ongoing debate surrounding police reform and public safety in New York City and across the nation.