Former President Barack Obama was as close as North Jersey but still only talked by phone with New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani over the weekend — and withheld endorsing him.

Former President Barack Obama called New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Saturday to praise his campaign and offer to be a "sounding board" in the future, two sources confirmed to ABC News.

Former President Barack Obama told Zohran Mamdani “your campaign has been impressive to watch,” and suggested that he was invested in Mr. Mamdani’s success beyond the election.

Former President Obama reached out to democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani ahead of the NYC mayoral election against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.

The former U.S. president stopped short of formally endorsing the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor.

Former President Barack Obama and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani reportedly spoke on the phone for about 30 minutes.

Former Democratic President Barack Obama called New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani Saturday and offered to be a “sounding board” if the 34-year-old frontrunner wins the election. He also praised Mamdani's campaign.

Former President Barack Obama had an extended phone call with mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani on Saturday and offered to be a “sounding board” for the socialist candidate — but didn’t officially endorse him for mayor, according to a report.

During the call between Barack Obama and Zohran Mamdani, the former President offered to serve as a “sounding board” for the candidate.

We are now just hours from Election Day in Virginia. All of the major candidates spoke at events Monday night, gearing up for Tuesday’s election.