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Hudson Valley Congressman Josh Riley has decided not to endorse any candidate in the New York City mayoral race. This decision comes after Governor Kathy Hochul and fellow Congressman Pat Ryan endorsed Democrat Zohran Mamdani. Riley, who represents New York's 19th District, stated that the politics of New York City do not resonate with the concerns of his constituents. According to Riley, "there's enough challenges to deal with here" in the Hudson Valley.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, has gained significant attention in the mayoral race. He recently secured a major victory over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Mamdani's campaign has focused on issues such as the cost of living and has been supported by a grassroots movement across New York City. His rise has sparked debate within the Democratic Party, with some viewing his success as a positive shift towards addressing working-class concerns, while others worry about the potential impact on the party's broader appeal.
A recent poll shows Mamdani with a significant lead in the race. He is set to face off against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in the upcoming election. Mamdani's platform includes policies such as free city bus service, free child care, and a rent freeze for people living in rent-regulated apartments, funded by increased taxes on the wealthy.
As the election approaches, Riley's decision to stay neutral reflects his focus on local issues in the Hudson Valley rather than the political dynamics of New York City.