New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is taking steps to connect with Washington's political class amid signs of division within the Democratic Party over his insurgent mayoral bid.

Mamdani, who won the Democratic nomination for mayor in an upset against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) last month, is planning to take part in a Wednesday breakfast with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) in Washington. Later in the week, he’s expected to sit down in Brooklyn with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who has not yet endorsed him.

The meetings come as Democrats grapple with how the democratic socialist fits into a party that remains bitterly divided over how to move forward in the wake of its devastating losses in 2024.

“As long as he continues to build up his political coalition, reinforce his allies, make new allies and friends, he's on a path to win the general election,” said New York Democratic strategist Trip Yang. “For him to shore up his congressional allies is really smart.”

“It doesn't hurt him from an electoral standpoint, in terms of winning an election in November. But what this really does is build relationships when he does become mayor in January.”

Mamdani pulled off a stunning win in the late June primary in the race to replace embattled Mayor Eric Adams (D). A little-known state legislator, Mamdani’s momentum surged as he snagged support from high-profile progressives, including Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and the Working Families Party.

While........

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