The New York City mayoral race is commanding national attention, with major policy, demographic and ideological shifts at stake.

Political tensions escalated as House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsement of Zohran Mamdani signals the end of the Democratic Party.

Mr. Jeffries, the House minority leader, had resisted backing Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, for months. But his support provides a late boost.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) endorsed Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City on Friday, a long-awaited backing from the national Democratic leader as early voting in the mayoral election begins on Saturday.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Friday endorsed Zohran Mamdani to serve as the next mayor of New York City

In his response during an interview appearance on ABC News' This Week on Sunday, Jeffries gave no indication of an imminent endorsement or timeline for when he might give his endorsement, but indicated he is thus far satisfied with Mamdani's messaging.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) formally endorsed Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City on Friday.

A Tuesday report from The Washington Post warned that "Democrats are nervous" about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani possibly winning his bid for office.