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 Governor Andrew Cuomo and his surrogates that he characterized as racist and baseless.
Encircled by faith leaders outside a Bronx mosque, Mamdani spoke in emotional terms about the indignities long faced by the city’s Muslim population, choking back tears as he described his aunt’s decision not to ride the subway after the Sept. 11 attacks because she didn’t feel safe being seen in a religious head covering.
He recounted how, when he first entered politics, an uncle gently suggested he keep his faith to himself. These are lessons that so many Muslim New Yorkers have been taught,” Mamdani said. “And over these last few days, these lessons have become the closing messages of Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa and Eric Adams.
At a news conference later Friday, Cuomo accused Mamdani of “playing the victim” for political purposes and denied that Islamophobia existed on a wide scale in New York. Throughout the race, Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has been criticized by Cuomo and others over his criticism of Israel's government which he had accused of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The tone of those attacks has intensified in recent days, drawing criticism that Cuomo’s campaign is attempting to exploit Islamophobia during the final stretch of the election.
Speaking on a conservative radio show, Cuomo appeared to laugh at remarks suggesting that Mamdani would “be cheering” another 9/11 attack. “That’s another problem,” Cuomo replied.
Additionally, a video was posted and then removed from a Cuomo social media account that depicted Mamdani in a negative light. At an endorsing event for Cuomo, Mayor Eric Adams referenced the potential for increased terror threats under a Mamdani administration, suggesting, “New York can’t be Europe. I don’t know what is wrong with people,” seemingly connecting the implications of Islamic extremism.
In contrast, Mamdani emphasized that his message is aimed at his fellow Muslim New Yorkers, affirming, The dream of every Muslim is simply to be treated the same as any other New Yorker. He boldly stated his commitment to no longer hide his identity in the campaign and vowed, “I will not change who I am, how I eat, for the faith that I’m proud to call my own.”
Despite the difficult environment, Mamdani embraced his community's shared aspirations, expressing hope for the future. During his campaign, he has received critical endorsements, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, emphasizing the need to address and support Muslim voices in the political arena.
