NYC Election Tests Identity Politics as Mamdani Fends Off Islamophobic Attacks

Zohran Mamdani, New York City's Democratic mayoral nominee, delivered an emotional speech Friday condemning what he called "racist and baseless attacks" against his Muslim identity, as the final stretch of the November 4 election sees his rivals Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa weaponize Islamophobia to undermine his candidacy. The 34-year-old state assemblymember, who would become the city's first Muslim mayor if elected, choked back tears while addressing the "endemic" anti-Muslim sentiment he said has defined the campaign.

The remarks came days after Cuomo, running as an independent, and Sliwa, the Republican nominee, escalated personal attacks during the October 22 mayoral debate. Cuomo accused Mamdani of stoking "the flames of hatred against Jewish people," while Sliwa falsely claimed he supported "global jihad." Mamdani pushed back, asserting he has never endorsed such rhetoric and framing the criticism as a reaction to his status as a Muslim candidate. "I have never, not once, spoken in support of global jihad," Mamdani said during the debate, adding that the attacks "have to do with the fact that I am the first Muslim candidate to be on the precipice of winning this election," according to The Wall Street Journal.

The debate highlighted a broader battle over identity and policy. Over 650 rabbis signed an open letter opposing Mamdani, citing his criticism of Israeli government policies and refusal to explicitly condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada." Mamdani, however, has doubled down on his progressive platform, pledging to protect Jewish New Yorkers from antisemitism while advocating for affordable housing and police reform. His campaign has faced a coordinated effort by Cuomo and Sliwa to paint him as inexperienced and a threat to Jewish safety, with Cuomo even suggesting on a conservative radio show that Mamdani "would cheer" a future 9/11-style attack, according to Politico.

The attacks have drawn national attention, with Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently endorsing Mamdani, according to The Independent. Jeffries, who had delayed his support, praised Mamdani's focus on "affordability" and commitment to "being a mayor for all New Yorkers." The endorsement adds momentum to Mamdani's campaign, which has consistently led in polls despite the personal attacks. A Patriot Polling survey shows Mamdani at 43% support, compared to Cuomo's 32%, according to The Economic Times.

Mamdani's speech Friday underscored the toll of the race on the city's Muslim community. "To be Muslim in New York is to expect indignity," he said, adding that the "tolerance of that indignity" is what truly defines the campaign. He also criticized Cuomo for his history of "weaponizing antisemitism for political gain," while noting that his own policies—such as retaining Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch—align with bipartisan priorities, according to NBC News.

The race has also exposed deep divisions within New York's Jewish community, with some rabbis and political figures aligning with Cuomo over concerns about Mamdani's stance on Israel. Yet Mamdani's progressive base remains energized, particularly among younger voters and communities of color. His campaign has framed the election as a choice between a "status quo" represented by Cuomo and a "new era" of inclusive governance.

As early voting begins Saturday, the contest remains a test of whether Mamdani's message can overcome the racial and religious rhetoric dominating the final days. With national attention on the city's largest Muslim population and polarized Jewish community, the outcome could signal a shift in how identity politics shape American elections.