Zohran Mamdani, New York state legislator and front-runner in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor at age 33, is being beset by Islamophobic attacks after his seeming win over former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
If voted for in November, Mamdani would be the city’s first Muslim mayor. His platform was built around pressing economic concerns like affordable housing, transportation reform, access to childcare, and lowering food prices. In spite of attempts by the right to frame him entirely in terms of his religion and progressive ideology, Mamdani emerged victorious with 43.5% of first-choice votes through the city’s ranked-choice voting process. The final outcome will be announced in early July following vote redistribution.
While conservative figures have criticized his platform, many have launched explicit religious attacks. Far-right activist Laura Loomer claimed Mamdani’s win would bring about “9/11 2.0.” Donald Trump Jr. and Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk made similar comparisons, suggesting Mamdani’s candidacy is a threat to the city. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace posted a photo of Mamdani alongside references to 9/11, implying New Yorkers had forgotten its significance.
Mamdani, who is a Queens-based Democratic Socialist, has also been criticized for his outspoken advocacy on behalf of Palestinian rights, including the BDS movement and arrest demands for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Cuomo was accused by a Cuomo-backing super PAC of spreading antisemitism, an accusation Mamdani strongly denied.
In public statements, Mamdani reaffirmed his resistance to all antisemitism, vowing to increase hate crime prevention if he were to be elected. He also spoke to the individual cost of religiously motivated abuse, saying that he is often the target of death threats.
In spite of the animosity, Mamdani told his campaign continues to be about bringing New Yorkers together around common economic issues. “This campaign is about making life more affordable and more just for all New Yorkers,” he said.