House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on Sunday dismissed the idea that socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani represents the future of the Democratic Party, instead positioning himself as the party’s strongest path forward.
Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, Jeffries argued that his leadership of the House Democratic caucus makes him best suited to guide Democrats toward electoral success in the years ahead.
“No, I think the future of the Democratic Party is going to fall – as far as we’re concerned – relative to the House Democratic Caucus and members who are doing a great work all across the country, as it relates to our need to both take back control of the House, but, in doing so, make sure that we’re communicating to the American people, like, we understand, you deserve better than the country that you have received,” he said in response to a question about Mamdani’s meteoric rise.
Jeffries only recently endorsed Mamdani’s mayoral campaign after months of hesitation. His late backing came alongside endorsements from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and several other state and national Democratic leaders.
Meanwhile, members of the party’s left-wing faction — including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) — have long rallied behind Mamdani, actively campaigning for him in the lead-up to the election.
“I asked you if Mamdani was the future of the party, and you didn’t answer the question,” host Jake Tapper followed up with Jeffries, who essentially deferred to a rambling list of boilerplate talking points bashing President Trump.
“Donald Trump and Republicans have gone way too far and have failed to deliver anything meaningful for the American people, and, as Democrats, we’re going to focus on lowering the high cost of living, on fixing our broken healthcare system that Republicans continue to make worse with their toxic policies, and, of course, on cleaning up corruption in the Congress, in the courts, and within the administration with Donald Trump running the largest pay-to-play scheme in the history of the country,” he said.
Democrats under President Biden presided over some of the highest inflation in decades. Also, the party is hyper-focused on “woke” issues like transgenderism, climate change, and pronouns – all of which has been rejected by a majority of Americans.
Tapper continued to press the issue, mentioning that the House Democratic leader took a considerable amount of time to endorse. “[Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer [D-N.Y.] still has not endorsed him. Are you concerned about Republicans using him as a lightning rod so as to hurt your ability to win back the House in 2026?” he asked.
But the Democratic leader simply dodged again.
“No, the lightning rod in terms of what’s going to impact the ability of either side to win control of the House or hold control of the House in 2026 is going to be the failure of Republicans to actually deliver on the promises that they have made and to actively make life worse for everyday Americans,” Jeffries said.
“The country knows that we’re heading in the wrong direction. We see it repeatedly.”
Jeffries’ remarks come less than 48 hours before Tuesday’s state and municipal elections, which feature high-profile races in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City.
In the Big Apple, socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani is widely expected to win comfortably in a three-way contest against perennial Republican contender Curtis Sliwa and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is mounting an independent bid after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary earlier this year.
That said, Mamdani’s lead over Cuomo in the race has narrowed to just 6.6 points — the tightest margin since July — according to a new AtlasIntel poll released Saturday.
The survey shows Mamdani leading with 40.6% of the vote, while Cuomo, running as an independent, has climbed to 34% just days before Tuesday’s election, The New York Post reported.
New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani (D) has shifted his stance on the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada,” saying he would now “discourage” its use. Speaking on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton, Mamdani said his change of heart came after a conversation with a rabbi who associated the phrase with past terrorist attacks in Israel.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and leading candidate to replace Mayor Eric Adams, acknowledged a “gap in intent” between how the phrase is used by some to protest Israeli occupation and how it is received by many in the Jewish community as a violent threat. He emphasized the importance of representing all New Yorkers, saying his role as mayor would be to understand and bridge differing perspectives.
The American Jewish Committee has defined the phrase as a call for “aggressive resistance against Israel.” Mamdani’s comments Sunday mark a departure from June, when he told NBC’s Meet the Press the phrase was “not language that I use,” but also said it wasn’t his role to “police” speech.
Mamdani’s updated position was first reported in July by The New York Times after a private meeting. Since then, he has tried to balance progressive support with broader electoral appeal, especially in a city with large and politically diverse Jewish and Arab communities.
Over the weekend, Mamdani campaigned with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who criticized billionaire Elon Musk’s wealth during a Brooklyn town hall. Mamdani has also promoted a plan for city-run grocery stores, which he defended in a CNN interview on Friday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), typically known for his calm, measured demeanor, erupted in frustration on the Senate floor Wednesday, accusing Democrats of prolonging the government shutdown and using social welfare programs as political leverage.
Thune’s rare display of anger came during a heated exchange over legislation to temporarily fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food aid to low-income families.
Democrats, led by Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), pushed for a standalone bill to keep SNAP benefits flowing as the shutdown approached its 30th day.
Thune fired back, noting that Republicans had already voted 13 times to reopen the government, only to be blocked by Senate Democrats.
“Let me just point out, if I might, that we are 29 days into a Democrat shutdown,” Thune said, his voice rising. “SNAP recipients shouldn’t go without food. People should be getting paid in this country. And we’ve tried to do that 13 times. You voted no 13 times.”
Brian Murphy, the actor and comedian best known for his role in the 1970s British sitcoms Man About the House and George and Mildred, has died aged 92.
Murphy, who passed away at his home in Kent on Sunday morning, worked closely with theatre director Joan Littlewood throughout his early career.
More recently, he appeared in episodes of BBC medical drama Holby City, sketch programme The Catherine Tate Show and ITV sitcom Benidorm, as well as comedy show Last of the Summer Wine.
Paying tribute to his “talent and humanity”, Murphy’s friend and agent Thomas Bowington described him as a “joyful and profoundly good-hearted man”.
Born on the Isle of Wight in 1932, Murphy’s acting career began in the 1950s when he became a member of the pioneering Theatre Workshop.
Founded by Joan Littlewood and her partner Gerry Raffles, it was dedicated to modernising theatre and reaching working-class audiences.
Murphy performed in many Shakespeare productions directed by Littlewood, and acted in her only feature film, the kitchen sink comedy Sparrows Can’t Sing.
He was best known for his role in Man About the House, an ITV sitcom exploring the dynamics of one man and two women flat-sharing in the 1970s.
He went on to star in the spin-off George and Mildred, in which Murphy played a henpecked George Roper opposite fellow Theatre Workshop actress Yootha Joyce as his wife.
He is survived by his wife, Hi-de-Hi! actress Linda Regan, and his two sons.
Ms Regan said: “I was lucky to have in my lifetime found my soulmate, Brian, who I will love forever.”
Shock and Sadness: Ralphie May Found Dead, Leaving Fans and Comedy World in Mourning
Fans are still reeling from the sudden and unexpected passing of Ralphie May, the beloved comedian whose humor and candor won the hearts of millions. Found lifeless in his home under circumstances that remain unclear, Ralphie’s death has sparked both grief and questions.
How could a man who commanded the stage with unstoppable energy be gone so abruptly? In the wake of his passing, speculation about health struggles, the pressures of fame, and the hidden toll of life in the spotlight is beginning to surface.
For over two decades, Ralphie May built a career on fearless comedy and unflinching honesty. His big break came on Last Comic Standing, where his sharp wit and larger-than-life personality earned him national recognition. From headlining sold-out tours to starring in television specials, Ralphie connected with fans through a brand of humor that was raw, relatable, and profoundly human.
But behind the laughter, Ralphie’s work often reflected personal battles and societal challenges. He spoke openly about issues like obesity, addiction, and mental health, turning his stage into a space where difficult truths could be met with laughter and understanding. His comedy offered both a mirror and a refuge for audiences, showing that humor could be a tool for resilience even in the darkest times.
In the wake of his death, colleagues and fans alike have taken to social media to share memories, stories, and grief. Tributes pour in from fellow comedians, recounting Ralphie’s generosity, his infectious energy, and the indelible mark he left on the craft of stand-up.
His absence serves as a stark reminder of the often unseen pressures performers endure: relentless touring, public scrutiny, and personal struggles hidden behind the curtain.
Legacy of Laughter
Though Ralphie May’s passing leaves a void that cannot be replaced, his legacy is undeniable. He redefined what it means to be authentic on stage, proving that vulnerability and humor could coexist powerfully.
His influence will continue to resonate through the comedy world, inspiring both performers and audiences alike. Ralphie may be gone, but the laughter, insight, and humanity he shared will endure — a testament to a life that, while cut tragically short, touched countless hearts.