Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) declared his support for New York state Rep. Zohran Mamdani, the socialist victor of New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary.

The latest high-profile endorsement of Mamdani comes as other top New York Democrats have stayed away from endorsements in the race.

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Espaillat’s endorsement is crucial because he holds sway over Latino communities, a key voting demographic in New York City.

“He has a strong vision of how to make New York serve those working to realize the American dream,” the Latino Democrat said. “I’m proud to endorse him because New Yorkers deserve a mayor who will wake up every day and fight for them.”

Epsaillat is the latest member of New York’s House Democratic caucus to support Mamdani, joining Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Jerrold Nadler, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

He previously backed mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo in May and incumbent Eric Adams in 2021.

“We’re past the primary, and the people of New York City have spoken,” Epsaillat said. “If there is a common denominator in every decision that I’ve made since I began to represent this district, in terms of supporting someone, it’s called the Democratic Party.”

Epsaillat announced his endorsement of Mamdani at a campaign event Thursday afternoon. The New York Times first reported the news earlier in the day.

Mamdani thanked Epsaillat on X for joining his campaign “for an affordable NYC and for fighting Trump’s authoritarianism in DC.”

“Adriano and I know that the only way we can protect this city is by standing firm in our values and standing up for working class and immigrant New Yorkers.”

JEFFRIES TO MEET WITH MAMDANI NEXT WEEK AFTER WITHHOLDING ENDORSEMENT

Meanwhile, Mamdani has not received support from New York Democrats Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Jeffries is expected to meet with Mamdani next week to discuss the candidate’s vision for New York City, citing his focus on affordability. The House Democrat previously suggested he wouldn’t back the primary victor without a “substantive conversation.”