Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger sharply criticized Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani on Friday, accusing him of misleading voters with campaign promises she believes he cannot deliver.
In an interview with CNN, Spanberger specifically targeted Mamdani’s proposals for government-run grocery stores and free public buses, which have been central to his campaign. She argued that the self-described democratic socialist’s ambitious agenda is unrealistic and will ultimately disappoint the “vulnerable people” who believe in it.
“People do want us to be aspirational and dream big. They also don’t want us to lie to them,” Spanberger said. “When you have a party that makes promise after promise, and then say, ‘Oh, we passed it in the House, it’s not our fault’ — vulnerable people believed you.”
Spanberger expressed skepticism about Mamdani’s ability to secure the necessary backing from Albany to refinance public transportation. Her critique of unrealistic promises is part of a broader call for pragmatism within the Democratic Party.
The Virginia candidate went a step further, stating she is more likely to break 50% of the vote in her statewide race than Mamdani is in his city election, according to CNN.
The two campaigns present a contrast in their approach to the Democratic platform:
- Mamdani’s Progressive Platform: His campaign website lists major progressive proposals, including a rent freeze, creating a new agency for non-violent 911 calls, raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour, and raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
- Spanberger’s Position: Spanberger’s moderate stance is underscored by her refusal to call on fellow Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones to drop out after the leak of his text messages, where he fantasized about putting “two bullets” in the head of a Republican lawmaker.
Mamdani’s progressive surge has been met with caution by some national Democrats. While House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries ultimately gave a late endorsement on October 24, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not endorsed him.
New York Rep. Tom Suozzi has instead endorsed Mamdani’s opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent.
In Virginia, Spanberger has maintained a solid lead in her gubernatorial bid against Republican lieutenant governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who is currently leading by an average of 9.6 points in polls, according to RealClearPolitics.
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