Zohran Mamdani Denounces Islamophobia, Leads NYC Mayoral Race Ahead of Early Voting

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor and a Muslim, has faced a wave of Islamophobic attacks from political opponents including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Eric Adams, and Republican Curtis Sliwa during his campaign. Mamdani delivered an emotional speech outside a Bronx mosque condemning what he described as "racist, baseless attacks" that target not only him but also New York's Muslim community. The controversy escalated after Cuomo appeared to agree with a radio host's suggestion that Mamdani would "be cheering" another 9/11 attack, a comment widely condemned as hateful and dangerous. Mamdani recounted his experiences growing up under suspicion post-9/11 and highlighted how discrimination affects many Muslims in the city, including his late aunt who stopped riding the subway due to safety fears while wearing a hijab. Advocates and some Democrats have criticized Cuomo's remarks as crossing a moral line and stoking fear rather than fostering unity, while Mamdani has pledged to embrace his Muslim identity in response. The attacks have intensified in the final stretch of the campaign as Mamdani is projected to win the race, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by Muslim candidates in American politics.