(DCNF)—Longtime press secretary to Jill Biden, Michael LaRosa, said Monday that the Democratic Party’s association with far-left candidates like New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani could cost them critical ground in 2026.

In an appearance on “The Record With Greta Van Susteren,” LaRosa said he fears Mamdani could become a political liability for Democrats in swing districts. Chairman of the Conservative Political Action Conference Matt Schlapp said that the Democratic Party’s embrace of radical voices like Mamdani’s reflects the broader collapse of leadership in America’s major cities.

“I think Mamdani could be a major noose around our necks going into an election year. Because Republicans are going to tie every Democrat, no matter what district you’re from, no matter how conservative or moderate you are, to the party of Mamdani,” LaRosa said.

Schlapp said internal confusion exists within Democratic ranks, adding that party leaders have yet to fully endorse Mamdani, despite pressure from progressive activists.

WATCH:

“When you have the leaders of the Democratic Party still not endorsing this Mamdani… The point is that they haven’t even all endorsed him yet. In this idea, for this all-important midterm for the Democratic Party will embrace Marxism, so clearly, I think they see the downside,” Schlapp added.

Some top Democrats have stopped short of endorsing Mamdani, who secured the party’s nomination on June 24 in New York City’s mayoral race. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and New York State Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs have all declined to back him, with Jacobs citing strong disagreement with Mamdani’s stance on Israel.

Failed 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris offered a tepid endorsement of Mamdani, saying he should be “supported” as the party’s nominee but added that he’s “not the only star” in the Democratic Party. Mamdani has picked up endorsements from prominent Democrats, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.