Zohran Mamdani Condemns Islamophobic Attacks Ahead of NYC Mayoral Election:

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani delivered an emotional speech on Friday, denouncing what he called “racist and baseless attacks” from his political opponents — just one day before early voting begins in an election he is widely expected to win. Speaking outside a Bronx mosque, the Democratic nominee said the recent surge in Islamophobic rhetoric was not only a personal attack on him but an insult to nearly one million Muslims who call New York home. “To be Muslim in New York is to expect indignity,” Mamdani said. “But indignity does not make us distinct — it is the tolerance of that indignity that does.” The Queens assemblyman, known for his progressive stance on housing and affordability, said he had tried to keep his campaign focused on key issues like the cost of living. However, in the final days before the election, he said his rivals have turned to Islamophobia as a campaign tactic. Cuomo Under Fire for Radio Comments Mamdani’s remarks came a day after former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, one of his main opponents, appeared to agree with a racist statement during a radio interview. Host Sid Rosenberg suggested that Mamdani “would be cheering” if another 9/11 attack occurred — to which Cuomo responded, “That’s another problem.” The comment sparked outrage. Basim Elkarra, executive director of CAIR Action, called Cuomo’s words “despicable, dangerous, and disqualifying,” saying they crossed a moral line. “Cuomo’s willingness to engage in this kind of hate speech shows the kind of leader he is — someone who would rather stoke fear than bring people together,” Elkarra said. Sliwa and PAC Ads Add to Tensions Mamdani also criticized Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, who recently claimed during a televised debate that Mamdani supports “global jihad.” The Democrat said he has also faced attack ads from Super PACs that portray him as a terrorist or mock his cultural identity — including the way he eats. “They want me to be ashamed of who I am,” Mamdani told supporters. “But I will not hide my faith or my background to make others comfortable.” He shared personal memories, recalling how his aunt stopped riding the subway after the September 11 attacks because she didn’t feel safe wearing her hijab. He also described how a staff member once found the word “terrorist” spray-painted on their garage. “Even people I trusted told me I didn’t have to tell others I was Muslim if I wanted to win elections,” Mamdani said. “But that’s not who I am.” Growing Democratic Support Earlier on Friday, Mamdani received a major boost from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who endorsed him ahead of early voting. Jeffries joined a list of high-profile backers that includes Governor Kathy Hochul, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Bernie Sanders. Still, some establishment Democrats — notably Senator Chuck Schumer — have withheld their endorsements. Meanwhile, current Mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race amid corruption allegations, endorsed Cuomo earlier this week. Polls Show Mamdani Leading According to a recent AARP and Gotham Polling survey, Mamdani leads the field with 43.2% of likely voters, followed by Cuomo with 28.9% and Sliwa with 19.4%. About 8% remain undecided. Voters cited cost of living, public safety, and housing affordability as their top concerns — the very issues Mamdani says his campaign is built on. As New Yorkers begin heading to the polls, Mamdani’s message is clear: his campaign is not just about policy, but about belonging. “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith I’m proud to call my own,” he said. “I will no longer look for myself in the shadows — I will find myself in the light.

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