The BareStory
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist described as the frontrunner in New York City's mayoral race, is facing public criticism on multiple fronts ahead of the election on Tuesday. Concerns have been raised by a political opponent, an actor, and an antisemitism watchdog group regarding public safety, his fiscal plans, and his past statements.
On Monday, actor Michael Rapaport stated that his wife has been harassed and assaulted in daytime incidents in NYC. Rapaport criticized Mamdani, who is running against former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Separately, New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli said his state would "roll out the welcome mat" for New Yorkers if Mamdani wins, citing Mamdani's stated plans to increase taxes on million-dollar earners and corporations.
An antisemitism research institute, The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), released a report making several claims about the candidate. The report alleges Mamdani "downplayed" the October 7 Hamas attack while calling Israel's response "genocide," and that he declined to condemn the slogan "globalize the intifada." A city councilwoman and hundreds of rabbis have reportedly opposed Mamdani, though he has also received support from some Jewish leaders. One summary noted that after initially refusing, Mamdani later affirmed in a debate that he believes Hamas should disarm.
Amid the criticism, sources stated that former President Barack Obama held a private phone call with Mamdani over the weekend and praised his campaign. This private engagement was contrasted with a public rally Obama held for a gubernatorial candidate in Virginia. The Mamdani campaign was reached for comment regarding the ISGAP report.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• A potential win could test whether raising taxes on corporations and high earners in a major city causes them to relocate to other U.S. states.
• The election's outcome may show the growing influence of Democratic socialist policies in major U.S. cities and within the national Democratic party.
• The controversy over the candidate’s Mideast stance shows how international conflicts are becoming a key issue in local U.S. elections, affecting community relations.
