Zohran Mamdani meets with Hakeem Jeffries again — but still no endorsement for NYC mayor

Maybe the third time will be the charm.

Socialist Zohran Mamdani met Monday with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the second time since winning the Democratic mayoral primary in June – but still couldn’t snag a coveted endorsement.

Jeffries’ camp remained mum on the pair’s private meeting with roughly 20 black clergy members from across central Brooklyn, perpetuating the top Dem’s awkward silence over supporting Mamdani.

But avoiding giving a full-throated endorsement to the controversial Mamdani could be a good idea for Jeffries, given his goal of winning back the House, said Yvette Buckner, a Democratic operative.

“Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is playing chess, not Checkers,” she said. “It’s not about the next move, but the next five moves. It’s not just about New York City but the entire country.

“Hakeem is cautious even when it comes to just New York City politics and he has to be extra cautious when it comes to politics that affects all of his party members.”

Mamdani’s unabashed socialism, vocal criticism of Israel and relative lack of experience have created a quandary for national Democrats, who’d normally rally behind a fresh-faced, charismatic and more-or-less popular candidate a stone’s throw from leading the nation’s largest city.

The Queens assemblyman has lined up endorsements from prominent Dems such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as many local Democratic organizations.

But support from New York’s three most powerful Democrats — Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Gov. Kathy Hochul — has eluded Mamdani.

Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn), who hasn’t endorsed Mamdani, also attended the meeting that Jeffries and Mamdani attended.

One political insider said Clarke’s presence was an attempt by Jeffries to give him political cover, so he can’t be seen as too close to Mamdani.

A Mamdani campaign spokesperson said the meeting was focused on affordability and other concerns.

“They engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on a number of issues including the urgent affordability crisis and the exodus of Black New Yorkers from the five boroughs—and Zohran shared his agenda to make sure every New Yorker can afford to continue to call this city home and live a life of dignity,” the spokesperson said.