NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Embraces Muslim Identity Amid Racist Attacks

Sun Oct 26 2025 10:39:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a passionate address, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, vows to embrace his Muslim identity as former Governor Andrew Cuomo intensifies baseless attacks that some are branding as Islamophobic.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for NYC mayor, pledges to embrace his Muslim identity amid intensified attacks from Andrew Cuomo, whom he accuses of encouraging Islamophobia. Speaking outside a Bronx mosque, Mamdani shared personal experiences of discrimination and vowed to advocate for Muslim New Yorkers, rejecting narratives that portray him as a victim for political gain. His remarks come as his opponents make controversial statements and gestures, leading to concerns about the rising tone of Islamophobia in the race.

NEW YORK (AP) — Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, pledged Friday to further embrace his Muslim identity in response to growing attacks by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his surrogates that he characterized as 'racist and baseless.'

Encircled by faith leaders outside a Bronx mosque, Mamdani spoke emotionally about the 'indignities' long faced by the city’s Muslim population, choking back tears as he recalled his aunt’s reluctance to ride the subway after the Sept. 11 attacks due to safety concerns associated with her religious head covering.

The candidate recounted how, at the beginning of his political career, his uncle advised him to keep his faith private. These are lessons that so many Muslim New Yorkers have been taught,” Mamdani stated, adding that these messages have been echoed by Cuomo and others during the current campaign.

In response, Cuomo accused Mamdani of 'playing the victim' for political gain, asserting that Islamophobia is not a widespread issue in New York. Throughout the campaign, Mamdani has faced scrutiny for his outspoken criticism of Israel, which he has accused of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

The intensity of the rhetoric against Mamdani escalated recently, as allegations of Islamophobia emerged against Cuomo. On a conservative radio program, Cuomo laughed off a remark suggesting Mamdani would 'be cheering' another 9/11 attack. He later dismissed the serious implications of such statements, emphasizing that he did not take them seriously.

Mamdani remains steadfast in his resolve to push for equity for Muslim New Yorkers. At a press event, he spoke directly to his community, saying, The dream of every Muslim is simply to be treated the same as any other New Yorker.” He vowed to reject the notion that he should ask for less, stating emphatically, No more.”

Concluding his address, Mamdani expressed his determination to not hide his identity any longer, declaring, I will no longer look for myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light.”

Mamdani's campaign has gained significant traction, securing endorsements such as that from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, despite skepticism from some traditional Democratic circles regarding his views on Israel and broader issues. Cuomo continues to contest Mamdani's claims, rejecting assertions of discomfort among Muslim New Yorkers, stating, Don’t tell me New Yorkers are Islamophobic. They’re not.”