Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary Amid Islamophobic Backlash from Far-Right

By D. Kumar Rakesh

In a historic political development, Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and sitting New York State Assemblyman, has won the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City, paving the way to potentially become the first Indian-American and Muslim mayor in the city’s history.

Mamdani’s victory marks a generational and ideological shift in the city’s politics, defeating establishment-backed Governor Andrew Cuomo, who conceded defeat overnight. However, the celebratory moment has been marred by a wave of Islamophobic attacks and far-right outrage, largely fueled by MAGA-aligned figures and supporters on social media.

Far-Right Outrage and Islamophobic Rhetoric
Prominent Republican lawmakers and MAGA loyalists have launched a coordinated smear campaign against Mamdani, primarily targeting his Gujarati Muslim identity. U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene shared a digitally manipulated image of the Statue of Liberty in a black burqa, while fellow Republican Don Keith reposted the image with the caption, “Congratulations New York.”

Representative Nancy Mace joined the chorus, posting an image of Mamdani in a traditional kurta-pajama with a caption invoking 9/11: “After 9/11 we said ‘Never Forget.’ I think we sadly have forgotten.”

Online platforms were soon flooded with hate-laced comments, some warning of an impending “Sharia takeover,” others labeling Mamdani a “jihadist.” One viral post read: “NYC in 2001: We will never forget! NYC in 2025: Elects Muslim jihadist! NYC in 2040: Obey Sharia Law or leave!”

Trump’s Tirade on Truth Social
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in with a vitriolic post on Truth Social, declaring, “Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary… We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous.” He went on to mock Mamdani’s appearance, voice, and intelligence, even accusing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of “grovelling over him.”

Trump’s comments drew widespread criticism for further inflaming racial and religious tensions in a country still grappling with rising hate crimes.

Mamdani Responds: “Trump’s Worst Nightmare”
Unfazed by the backlash, Mamdani addressed the controversy head-on during a televised Democratic debate.

“I am Donald Trump’s worst nightmare — a progressive, Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things I believe in,” Mamdani stated.

Known for his staunch opposition to Trump-era immigration policies, Mamdani has consistently advocated for working-class New Yorkers and spoken out against billionaire-backed politics. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, describing it as a “genocide,” while clarifying that criticism of Israeli policy is not antisemitism.

Statue of Liberty’s Forgotten Roots
Interestingly, the Statue of Liberty, now used as a symbol of Western ideals against Mamdani, has roots tied to the Muslim world. Originally envisioned by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi as a veiled Egyptian peasant woman carrying a lantern, the statue’s initial design was meant for the Suez Canal. When Egypt rejected the proposal, Bartholdi reimagined the figure as a Roman goddess and offered it to the United States — where it now stands as an icon of freedom.

This little-known history offers a poignant counterpoint to the xenophobic narrative, reminding critics that symbols of liberty themselves have multicultural origins.

What’s Next?
With the Democratic primary win under his belt in a largely blue city, Mamdani is now a strong favorite to win the New York mayoral election later this year. If elected, he would not only make history as the first Muslim and Indian-American mayor of NYC, but also as a progressive figure redefining urban politics in post-pandemic America.