Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old member of the Queens state assembly, continues to dominate headlines as he leads the New York City mayoral race after his Democratic primary upset victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani’s campaign has generated both strong support and considerable controversy over his positions on Israel and association with a prominent Muslim figure.
Diwali celebrations
The Democratic mayoral candidate stopped by X to share his Diwali celebrations in Queens and highlight the city’s diverse cultural traditions: “Last night I visited four temples across Queens to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights, ending at Maharaja Sweets in Jackson Heights, where we gave away six varieties of delicious treats along with some very special guests. Happy Diwali, NYC!”
The day before, he also wished New Yorkers a joyous festival: “Shubh Deepavali! We wish everyone a very happy Diwali. Across our city, families light diyas and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair. New York shines brighter tonight because of the people who bring their light and traditions home.”
Controversy over his positions in Israel and the Middle East
Mamdani’s left-wing positions, particularly his criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights, have raised concerns among some Jewish leaders. According to the AP, he refuses to support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. It also supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. But he appeared to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many see as a call to violence.
Tense confrontations during the campaign
On October 11, Mamdani was confronted in midtown Manhattan by a protester who accused him of being “anti-Semitic”. A video that went viral on social media shows a protester demanding that Mamdani denounce Hezbollah and Sharia law. Security intervened and escorted Mamdani to his vehicle.
Mamdani also faced scrutiny of his associations. A photo from Friday’s prayer event shows him with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, who has historical ties as an uncharged co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, along with City Councilman Yusef Abdus Salaam. Mamdani wrote on X: “Today at Masjid At-Taqwa I had the pleasure of meeting Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the country’s foremost Muslim leaders and a pillar of the Bed-Stuy community for nearly half a century. I was also joined by CM @dr_yusefsalaam from Harlem.”
Commitments to controversial phrases
Mamdani, previously defended the slogan “globalize the intifada”. After a closed-door meeting with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on July 15, he signaled a shift and pledged to discourage the use of the slogan.
The survey shows a competitive edge
Recent polls by Gotham Polling and AARP show Mamdani in a strong position, The New York Post reported. If Republican Curtis Sliwa were to drop out, Mamdani would get 44.6% of the vote to Cuomo’s 40.7%, a margin of 4 points. With all three candidates in the race, Mamdani leads with 43.2%, Cuomo trails with 28.9% and Sliwa with 19.4%.
Pollsters noted that younger voters strongly favor Mamdani, while 78% of undecided voters are over 50, which could benefit Cuomo. Cost of living remains the main concern (63.6%), followed by public safety (48.6%) and housing affordability (38.9%).
(Tagtentranslate)Zohran Mamdani(T)New York City Mayors Race
