🚨 Rep. August Pfluger Slams Democrats Over Federal Shutdown, Ties It to NYC Mayoral Race

WASHINGTON — Republican Congressman August Pfluger caused a stir this week by publicly criticizing House Democrats, suggesting that they may have orchestrated the federal government shutdown to create time to campaign for NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

Speaking to reporters, Pfluger said:

“You know what? They’re in NYC campaigning for MAMDANI! Maybe they orchestrated this so they had the time to go campaign for an outright SOCIALIST. Maybe this was orchestrated so they could go do that!”

He continued, issuing a sharp critique of the Democratic Party’s leadership:

“No — this isn’t the party of JFK anymore. This is the party of SCHUMER and MAMDANI — the party that bows to the radical left.”

Reaction and Context

Pfluger’s comments come amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has disrupted services and triggered heated political debates. Democrats have denied any connection between the shutdown and the NYC mayoral campaign, emphasizing that members of Congress have limited ability to influence local races in New York City.

Political analysts note that Pfluger’s remarks reflect Republican frustration with the perceived priorities of Democratic leadership, particularly Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who represents New York.

“This is a classic example of national politics intersecting with local elections,” said one analyst. “Pfluger is tying the federal situation to a high-profile mayoral race to energize his base.”

The Broader Debate

The controversy highlights broader tensions between the parties regarding governance and political priorities. While Democrats argue the shutdown stems from legislative gridlock, Republicans are increasingly framing the issue as a reflection of misplaced priorities and political opportunism.

As the NYC mayoral race continues, observers will be watching whether statements like Pfluger’s influence public perception of candidates such as Mamdani, or become part of broader partisan narratives at the national level.