New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed on July 1, 2026, that he has been in contact with former Vice President Kamala Harris for several months. Mamdani stated during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Clay Cane Show that they have had brief conversations and he appreciates her outreach. This acknowledgment comes as speculation grows regarding Harris's potential 2028 presidential run, following her loss in the 2024 election to President Donald Trump.
Harris's outreach to Mamdani, a prominent figure within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, may indicate her efforts to strengthen ties with progressive leaders. Mamdani's endorsement of candidates who successfully unseated incumbent Democrats in New York's recent primary elections may have prompted Harris's call. Additionally, Harris reportedly met with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the “Power Rising” conference in Chicago, which focuses on empowering black women leaders.
Harris has also been expanding her outreach to pro-Palestinian activists, a group that had previously criticized her 2024 campaign. Members of her team have engaged with activists over the past year, including discussions with Abbas Alawieh, a cofounder of the Uncommitted Movement, who is now running for a Michigan state Senate seat. Alawieh has stated he voted for Harris in the 2024 election.