Zohran Mamdani’s Mayoral Bid in New York Meets Islamophobic Backlash
Progressive frontrunner faces wave of religious slurs and false citizenship claims as campaign gains momentum.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Zohran Mamdani’s rapid rise in New York City’s mayoral race has propelled him to national prominence, drawing both pride from many Muslim Americans and a wave of anti-Muslim rhetoric from opponents.
If elected in November, Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, would become the city’s first Muslim mayor.
His campaign has been met with derogatory remarks from conservative lawmakers and activists, who have used his religion and immigration background as political attack lines.
Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee called him “little muhammad” and urged deportation, while Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina referenced 9/11 alongside his photo.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer claimed, without evidence, that New York was “about to see 9/11 2.0.”
At the National Conservatism Conference, several speakers invoked Mamdani’s name, with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon labeling him both a “Marxist and a jihadist.”
President Donald Trump also echoed “birther”-style rhetoric, questioning Mamdani’s U.S. citizenship, despite his having lived in New York since age seven and becoming a citizen in 2018.
The threats have at times escalated. In September, a Texas man was charged with making death threats against Mamdani, calling him a terrorist and saying “Muslims don’t belong here.”
His campaign said such incidents “reflect a broader climate of hate that has no place in our city.”
The attacks also underscore the persistence of Islamophobia in American politics since the September 11 attacks.
From police surveillance programs to opposition to Muslim community centers and anti-sharia legislation, Muslim Americans have faced entrenched prejudice, analysts say.
Some Democrats have also criticized Mamdani over his progressive stance and outspoken support for Palestinian rights, particularly amid the war in Gaza.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo called him “dangerous,” while Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand later apologized after mischaracterizing his remarks.
Despite the hostility, many Americans, other than Muslims, view Mamdani’s candidacy as historic and inspiring. Supporters say his campaign embodies hope, visibility, and political empowerment at a time when Islamophobia and antisemitism are both intensifying.
“I think people feel it’s necessary,” said Hanan Thabet, a New Yorker supporting his campaign. “Zohran’s candidacy isn’t just historic—it’s a statement that Muslims have a rightful place in leadership.”
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