Top House Dem sides with Mamdani critics on key controversy surrounding his campaign: 'Legitimate issue'

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries again declined to issue an endorsement of New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and said the recent controversy over Mamdani living in a rent-stabilized apartment is a "legitimate issue."

"Well listen, that’s an issue for the state legislators and the state government to work out," Jeffries told CNBC on Thursday morning when asked about Mamdani living in a rent-stabilized apartment in Queens despite making close to $150,000 a year. 

When pressed about New Yorkers who make far less and don't have access to rent-controlled apartments, Jeffries said, "It’s a legitimate issue that has been raised, and the campaign is going to have to address it."

Mamdani has faced intensifying criticism for living in the rent-controlled apartment while campaigning on the need for affordable housing, including from his opponen...