Vance Says He Values Mamdani, Sanders and Khanna for Taking Voters’ Concerns Seriously

WASHINGTON — Vice President J.D. Vance said he values three prominent progressive politicians — New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna — praising them for engaging seriously with the public on economic and affordability issues.

In an interview with NBC News, Vance said Mamdani’s focus on New York City’s cost-of-living crisis reflects an understanding of the concerns driving many voters.

“Look, Mamdani and I could not be further apart ideologically,” Vance said. “But the fact that he’s zeroed in on affordability — one of the worst problems in New York and anywhere else — is smart. And he’s actually listening to people.”

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, ran a campaign centered on housing costs and economic stress, emerging as a breakout figure in Democratic politics and even drawing criticism from former President Donald Trump before the two later met at the White House.

Vance said he similarly values Sanders and Khanna because, despite major policy differences, they demonstrate a willingness to hear constituents and engage on substantive issues.

“Most politicians don’t listen — it’s a low bar,” Vance said. “But Bernie, Ro Khanna and Mamdani? At least sometimes, they do. And I appreciate that.”