De Blasio backs Democrats' socialist wing, says Americans are 'hungry' for far-left leadership

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Americans are “hungry” for the vision offered by the Democratic Party’s socialist wing as Democrats continue debating the party’s future direction.

Speaking Tuesday on “The Ingraham Angle,” de Blasio praised Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, saying they are connecting with voters who are frustrated with the political establishment.

De Blasio argued that progressive candidates are gaining support because they are focusing on issues such as affordability, wages and health care.

“They are pointing in a specific direction, and there’s a reason they’re winning,” he said.

Although de Blasio has said he is neither a socialist nor a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he expressed support for several policies associated with the movement. He backed Medicare for All, higher taxes on wealthy Americans and ending the war in Iran, which he said has contributed to higher gasoline prices.

De Blasio also called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, and replacing it with a new agency focused on securing the border.

“We need a secure border,” he said, arguing that a new agency could enforce immigration laws without creating what he described as unnecessary violence in American cities.

He also supported a “path to legalization” for illegal immigrants who have not been convicted of violent or serious crimes.