Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is embracing New York City’s ranked-choice voting system with a powerful slate of mayoral endorsements that could disrupt the Democratic primary landscape. In an exclusive announcement with The New York Times, the progressive leader named five candidates, placing Democratic socialist Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani as her top pick.
With the June 24 primary fast approaching, Ocasio-Cortez’s strategic move is clearly aimed at shifting momentum away from current frontrunner, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who maintains a sizable lead in most public polls.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Ranked Picks for Mayor
AOC’s full ranked-choice slate includes:
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Zohran Mamdani
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City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
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City Comptroller Brad Lander
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Former Comptroller Scott Stringer
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Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie
Ocasio-Cortez commended Mamdani’s ability to unite working-class voters, calling his coalition “the strongest to lead the field.” She emphasized his grassroots appeal and vision for a more equitable New York City.
Why Mamdani Leads AOC’s List
Mamdani’s campaign centers on economic justice and affordability. He’s advocating for free public buses, citywide subsidized child care, and a rent freeze on stabilized units—policies that echo the kind of progressive platform that brought Ocasio-Cortez to victory in 2018.
He’s also leveraging social media to activate younger voters, similar to AOC’s early campaign playbook.
“I’m honored to have Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s support,” Mamdani said. “Her win in 2018 transformed our politics. On June 24, we aim to do the same.”
Cuomo Still Leads, But Progressives Are Closing In
Despite Mamdani’s momentum, he still trails Cuomo by 12 points in early ranked-choice polling and by 8 points in later rounds, according to a recent Emerson College survey. However, AOC’s endorsement may help close the gap, particularly among progressive and undecided voters.
Progressive Power Meets Local Stakes
Ocasio-Cortez has seen her national influence rise as she travels with Sen. Bernie Sanders for their “Fight Oligarchy” rallies. Her endorsement could carry weight not just for Mamdani, but also for Speaker Adrienne Adams, who has seen a surge despite being a later entrant into the race.
“She knows how to stand up to Trump and stop Cuomo,” Adams posted on X. “Together, we’re building the coalition needed to win.”
Broad Progressive Alignment
Four of AOC’s five endorsed candidates also appear on the Working Families Party’s slate, with minor ranking differences. The overlap signals a coordinated effort among progressives to stop Cuomo’s return to power.
Post-Debate Surge for the Left
The timing of AOC’s endorsement—just hours after the first televised debate—was no accident. Her endorsed candidates collectively challenged Cuomo’s record, accusing him of corruption, donor favoritism, and a refusal to accept accountability for his past controversies.
With just weeks remaining, these endorsements may prove pivotal in reshaping the narrative of one of the city’s most consequential mayoral primaries in years.
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