Zohran Mamdani Embraces Muslim Identity Amidst Racist Attacks in Mayoral Race

Wed Oct 29 2025 13:45:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, vows to embrace his Muslim identity as he faces allegations of Islamophobia from political opponents, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

In response to recent attacks perceived as racist, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral nominee for New York City, announced his decision to fully embrace his Muslim identity. Speaking outside a Bronx mosque, Mamdani shared personal stories of discrimination faced by the Muslim community and criticized opponents, including Cuomo, for fueling Islamophobia. Cuomo denied the existence of widespread Islamophobia and accused Mamdani of playing the victim. Mamdani's stance reflects a broader struggle for acceptance and equality among Muslim New Yorkers.

NEW YORK (AP) — In the throes of a heated mayoral campaign, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, pledged on Friday to embrace his Muslim identity. This commitment comes in light of intensified vitriolic attacks from former Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom Mamdani characterized as resorting to 'racist and baseless' accusations.

During a press conference held outside a Bronx mosque, Mamdani expressed emotional reflections on the 'indignities' faced by the city’s Muslim population, recounting how his aunt felt unsafe wearing her religious head covering in public after the September 11 attacks.

Mamdani revealed that early in his political career, his uncle advised him to downplay his faith. “These are lessons that echo throughout the lives of many Muslim New Yorkers,” he stated, highlighting the subtleties of discrimination faced by his community.

Cuomo, reacting to Mamdani's remarks, accused him of 'playing the victim' and lambasted claims of Islamophobia, suggesting it was not a significant issue in New York.

The contentious nature of the campaign has increasingly spotlighted Mamdani’s past criticism of Israel’s government, which has drawn not only disdain from Cuomo but also ongoing scrutiny from various political figures.

The recent rise in defamatory commentary against Mamdani has raised concerns among Democratic circles regarding an uptick in Islamophobia, especially during the decisive phase of the campaign.

Mamdani responded by emphasizing the need for Muslims to reclaim their identity and combat narratives that suggest they should minimize their beliefs. With his latest musings, he aims to inspire acceptance among not only Muslim communities but all New Yorkers.

“No more,” he declared, affirming his rejection of the notion that he should obscure his identity to gain political favor. Mamdani's remarks resonated strongly with many supporters who attended the event, united in their desire for equal treatment and recognition in a city that has often marginalized their presence.

Despite facing a barrage of criticism, Mamdani continues to garner significant support within the Democratic establishment, including endorsements from key figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.