New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) stated Sunday he does not support changing the Constitution's requirement that presidents be natural-born citizens, as speculation mounts over his own eligibility. The 34-year-old democratic socialist, born in Uganda, told ABC's Jonathan Karl on "This Week" that amending the rule is not something he would pursue.
Mamdani's comments come as his national profile surges following a series of socialist victories in New York's Democratic primary. His stance on the natural-born clause directly addresses a potential barrier should he eye a higher office, though he has not formally launched a presidential bid.
On the question of electability, Mamdani expressed confidence that a democratic socialist could win any elected position nationwide, including the presidency. The remark signals a challenge to centrist Democratic factions, which have historically resisted left-wing economic platforms in general elections.
Former President Bill Clinton, meanwhile, weighed in on the Democratic Party's midterm prospects following the same New York primary results. Clinton, a moderate, has long cautioned against leftward shifts, suggesting the socialist wave could alienate swing voters in battleground districts.
The debate underscores an emerging intraparty rift: progressives argue socialist policies resonate with working-class voters, while moderates warn that such branding risks electoral losses. Mamdani's refusal to entertain a constitutional workaround may also temper speculation about his own presidential ambitions.