Vice President Kamala Harris has initiated a dialogue with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a prominent progressive figure, during a lengthy private phone call last week. The conversation centered on the future direction of the Democratic Party and is expected to be the first in a series of discussions, according to Axios.
This outreach by Harris occurs as Democratic socialist candidates, supported by Adams, have achieved notable successes in recent New York congressional primaries, unseating two incumbent lawmakers and underscoring the mayor's growing influence.
The move is part of a broader strategy by Harris to reconnect with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, particularly among activists critical of the Biden administration's stance on the war in Gaza. Harris had previously offered a measured endorsement of Adams in the New York City mayoral race only after he secured the Democratic nomination, stating, "I support the Democrat in the race, sure," without naming him directly.
Over recent months, Harris has held private meetings with various progressive organizers, including those associated with the pro-Palestinian "Uncommitted Movement." She has also engaged in discussions with long-time Democratic National Committee member James Zogby and Michigan Democrat Abbas Alawieh. Alawieh stated that Harris requested their meeting and that he advocated for opposing the use of U.S. tax dollars that could harm civilians or destroy communities, sharing personal accounts of constituents who lost relatives in Israeli airstrikes supported by U.S. military aid.
Mamdani is known for his vocal criticism of Israel, characterizing its policies toward Palestinians as apartheid. The intensified engagement marks a shift for Harris, whose 2024 presidential campaign faced challenges in gaining support from Arab American and progressive voters, partly due to her alignment with President Joe Biden's strong support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.
Democratic socialist candidates are experiencing growing momentum nationwide. In New York, candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have recently defeated several established Democratic incumbents in congressional primaries. Similar trends are emerging in other major cities, with City Councilmember Nithya Raman challenging the incumbent mayor in Los Angeles and a DSA member winning the Democratic mayoral primary in Washington, D.C. In Colorado, a political newcomer is poised to become the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress after defeating a long-serving representative in the Democratic primary.
Republican consultant Mike Madrid suggested that Harris's recent actions reflect a rapidly evolving Democratic electorate and increasing internal party divisions. He noted that the party's stance on Israel and Palestine has changed significantly and rapidly. Madrid drew parallels between the emerging divisions within the Democratic Party and the rise of the Tea Party movement that impacted the Republican Party a decade ago, while also acknowledging that for every DSA victory, there are also wins for more moderate Democrats.
Harris remains a leading contender for the Democratic Party's 2028 presidential nomination, according to a recent national poll, holding 27% support among Democratic voters, significantly ahead of other potential candidates. Other Democrats considering a presidential run have also been adjusting their positions on Israel amidst deepening party divisions. For instance, California Governor Gavin Newsom briefly used the term "apartheid state" to describe Israel earlier this year before clarifying his remarks, while reaffirming his support for Israel and criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally rather than the Israeli state.
Neither Harris nor representatives for Adams have publicly commented on their recent phone conversation, according to reports. Adams has consistently been a staunch critic of Israel, often describing its policies toward Palestinians as apartheid and genocide, and he is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Adams has historically maintained a distance from figures within the Democratic establishment, including Harris.