Former President Barack Obama personally reached out to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Saturday, offering words of encouragement and support in a private 30-minute phone call that insiders say reflected Obama’s genuine interest in the young progressive’s political future.
Two individuals familiar with the conversation, who either participated in the call or were briefed on its contents said Obama praised Mamdani’s campaign as “impressive to watch” and offered to be a “sounding board” in the months ahead. Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussion was private.
According to those briefed, Obama told Mamdani that he was “invested” in his success not only in the upcoming election but also in his broader effort to reshape the city’s approach to affordability, housing, and public services. The former president reportedly emphasized the importance of strong staffing decisions and an early plan for building a capable administration.
The call, which took place just days before Election Day, marks a notable moment of acknowledgment for Mamdani, a State Assembly member from Queens who has gained traction as a left-wing candidate emphasizing housing affordability, public transit expansion, and social equity. His campaign has been compared to the grassroots energy of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s early rise, which similarly drew national attention from Democrats seeking to energize younger voters.
Obama, who has been selective in his political involvement since leaving the White House, rarely makes such personal outreach to local candidates. The fact that he took time to call Mamdani suggests an appreciation for the candidate’s message and organizing strength, even if the two represent different wings of the Democratic Party.
During their discussion, sources said, the two men talked about the difficulties of translating campaign ideals into governing realities — from selecting qualified staff and managing city agencies to balancing progressive goals with practical implementation. Obama reportedly encouraged Mamdani to stay focused on “building trust and capacity,” particularly if he wins and begins forming a new administration.
While neither Obama’s office nor Mamdani’s campaign has publicly confirmed the call, aides close to both described the conversation as “warm, thoughtful, and forward-looking.” One person familiar with the exchange said Obama left Mamdani “energized and reflective,” seeing the former president’s guidance as a sign that his campaign had reached a new level of national recognition.
As Election Day approaches, Mamdani’s team continues to highlight grassroots enthusiasm and small-dollar donations as indicators of growing momentum. Whether the quiet endorsement from one of the most influential figures in modern Democratic politics will shape voter perception remains to be seen — but it adds another layer of credibility to a campaign already reshaping the conversation around affordability and progressive governance in New York City.
