Zohran Mamdani Faces Islamophobic Attacks as He Nears Historic Win in New York City Mayoral Race

Zohran Mamdani’s remarkable rise in New York City’s mayoral race has made him a national figure—admired by many for breaking barriers, but also targeted by a wave of Islamophobic attacks. As the Democratic nominee and a leading contender for November’s election, Mamdani stands on the verge of becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor, a milestone that carries both pride and pressure.

A Rapid Political Rise

Born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised in New York since the age of seven, Mamdani has long been known for his activism and progressive politics. The son of acclaimed scholar Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, Zohran entered public life as a housing rights advocate before serving in the New York State Assembly. His focus on tenant protection, police accountability, and healthcare equity earned him strong support from working-class communities across Queens and Brooklyn.

His mayoral campaign, launched in early 2025, quickly gained momentum. Supporters hailed his message of inclusion and justice, seeing him as a refreshing alternative to establishment politics. “Zohran’s campaign represents New York’s diversity at its best,” said campaign volunteer Amina Rahman. “He stands for fairness, not fear.”

Wave of Islamophobic Attacks

With his growing popularity, however, came an escalation of bigotry. Conservative commentators and far-right figures have turned his Muslim identity into a political weapon. Republican Congressman Andy Ogles of Tennessee called Mamdani “little muhammad” and suggested he should be deported, while Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina drew outrage for referencing 9/11 alongside his photo.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer even claimed, without any proof, that “New York is about to see 9/11 2.0.” At the National Conservatism Conference, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon labeled Mamdani both a “Marxist and a jihadist.”

Former President Donald Trump also joined the fray, questioning Mamdani’s U.S. citizenship in remarks reminiscent of the “birther” conspiracy once aimed at Barack Obama. This, despite the fact that Mamdani became a U.S. citizen in 2018 after living in New York for two decades.

Threats and Hate Crimes

The rhetoric has sometimes led to real-world threats. In September, a Texas man was arrested for sending death threats to Mamdani, calling him a “terrorist” and writing that “Muslims don’t belong here.” His campaign staff reported a surge in hate messages following the incident.

In a statement, the campaign condemned the attacks, saying they “reflect a broader climate of hate that has no place in our city or our democracy.” Civil rights groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have urged federal authorities to take stronger action against political hate speech targeting Muslims.

Islamophobia’s Lingering Shadow

The backlash against Mamdani highlights how deeply Islamophobia remains rooted in American political culture more than two decades after the 9/11 attacks. From surveillance programs and mosque opposition to the “Muslim ban,” U.S. Muslims have faced systemic prejudice that often resurfaces during political campaigns.

Dr. Khaled Beydoun, a law professor and author on Islamophobia in America, noted, “Mamdani’s treatment reflects a long-standing pattern—when Muslim candidates gain visibility, the fear narrative resurfaces. It’s an attempt to keep Muslims on the margins of power.”

Criticism from Within the Party

While most Democrats have rallied around Mamdani, some centrist figures have criticised his progressive stance and vocal support for Palestinian rights amid the Gaza war. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo called him “dangerous,” and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand apologised after mischaracterising his remarks on the conflict.

Mamdani, however, has remained firm. “Standing for human rights doesn’t make you un-American,” he said during a campaign rally in Queens. “It makes you someone who believes America can be better.”

A Campaign of Hope and Representation

Despite the hostility, Mamdani’s supporters believe his campaign is reshaping how Muslim Americans are seen in public life. His growing base includes young voters, immigrants, and progressives who see his journey as proof that diversity is New York’s strength.

“Zohran’s candidacy isn’t just historic—it’s a statement that Muslims have a rightful place in leadership,” said community organiser Hanan Thabet. “He’s giving hope to those who’ve been made to feel invisible.”

As the election draws closer, Mamdani’s message remains clear: he seeks to unite a city often divided by inequality and fear. Whether he wins or not, his campaign has already changed the conversation—challenging prejudice and opening new space for representation in America’s largest city.

Introduction: Zohran Mamdani — A New Face of American Progressivism

Zohran Mamdani has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic and influential political figures in the United States today. A Ugandan-born Indian American and proud New Yorker, Mamdani’s journey from immigrant roots to becoming the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor is both inspiring and symbolic of America’s evolving political landscape. Known for his unapologetically progressive ideals, Mamdani represents a new generation of leaders who prioritise social justice, equality, and inclusion over traditional political power plays.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, to renowned academic Mahmood Mamdani and celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair, Zohran grew up in a household where activism, culture, and education were part of everyday life. His family’s move to New York City when he was just seven years old deeply shaped his worldview. The city’s energy, diversity, and struggles became his classroom, teaching him empathy for working-class communities and immigrants striving for dignity.

Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a housing rights advocate and community organiser in Queens—one of New York’s most diverse boroughs. His work on tenant protections, affordable housing, and racial justice earned him recognition as a fearless grassroots leader. In 2020, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing Astoria, where he quickly gained a reputation for being outspoken on issues such as policing reform, healthcare for all, and fair housing.

What sets Mamdani apart is not just his policy agenda, but his authenticity. He speaks openly about his Muslim identity and immigrant background, framing them as strengths rather than obstacles. His presence in American politics has become a source of pride for many Muslim Americans, who see him as proof that representation and resilience can overcome prejudice.

Now, as he runs for mayor of New York City, Mamdani’s campaign has become more than a political movement—it’s a cultural moment. It challenges old stereotypes, confronts Islamophobia head-on, and redefines what leadership in America can look like. His rise symbolises the growing influence of young, diverse, and progressive voices determined to make democracy more inclusive and compassionate.

In every sense, Zohran Mamdani embodies the spirit of modern New York: bold, diverse, and unafraid to fight for what’s right.

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