NEW YORK — In a passionate rally at Brooklyn's Kings Theatre, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alongside Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, issued a rallying cry to supporters and a stark warning to sitting members of Congress ahead of New York's primary election. With just five days left, Mamdani's message was clear: incumbency will not shield you from the demand for action.

Addressing a packed crowd, Mamdani criticized the current state of the Democratic Party. “This slate here today is our answer. The Democratic Party must change,” he declared, emphasizing the need for a shift away from managing decline to actively delivering material change for working people.

The Mayor's endorsed congressional candidates, who joined him on stage, are poised to challenge established figures. Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is taking on two-term Rep. Dan Goldman; state Assemblymember Claire Valdez aims to fill the seat of retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez; and community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier is challenging Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

The event also featured strong words against the influence of big money in politics, with Sanders reiterating his stance on banning super PACs, which he believes undermine the democratic process.

Amid references to the recent New York Knicks' championship celebrations, Mamdani used the momentum to underscore the urgency of grassroots involvement, stating, “The only hands we can count on are ours.” His sports analogy drew cheers, linking team spirit to political activism.

Polls suggest a tight race for Velázquez’s seat, while Lander reportedly leads over Goldman. Avila Chevalier, endorsed later by Mamdani, has seen a surge in her campaign, challenging the notion that incumbents are untouchable.

Mamdani’s involvement in these races marks a significant test in his mayoral career, as he navigates complex relationships with other influential political figures, many of whom have previously opposed him.

Despite some candidates maintaining a careful distance due to political sensitivities, such as Lander's nuanced position on appearing in ads with Avila Chevalier, the rally underscored a united front in advocating for progressive and socialist candidates.

In his concluding remarks, Mamdani highlighted the collective power of the voters, “Look around. Look at what we’ve built,” a sentiment echoed by Avila Chevalier, who pointed out the dismissive attitudes they've overcome.

As the primary approaches, the stakes are high, and the political landscape in New York could be poised for significant change, depending on the turnout and choice of the voters this coming Tuesday.