In New York City, billionaire funding and a barrage of media attacks aim to stop Democrat Zohran Mamdani from clinching the mayoralty amid a swirl of controversies.
Mamdani’s Rise and Party Divisions
Zohran Mamdani, a little‑known member of the New York State Assembly, has emerged as the leading poll figure for the city’s mayoral race and the chief target of the city’s political establishment. Though the Democratic Party has officially nominated him, key insiders—Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Cory Booker, and several House members—have declined to support him, instead backing other candidates. Likewise, former Governor Andrew Cuomo opposed the bid, citing a legacy of litigation and sexual‑molestation accusations toward Cuomo that cost New York more than $60 million.
Billionaires Back a Counter‑Campaign
Amid limited public records on Mamdani’s background, the opposition relies on broad allegations. A committee linked to Cuomo released a campaign ad featuring billionaire Bill Ackman, urging voters to elect Cuomo to “stop communism.” Another ad, purportedly anonymous, claimed: “Cuomo killed my husband, but I still vote for him. New York is terrible.” In a Halloween stunt, Cuomo posted an AI‑generated video of Mamdani “taking children’s candy” and “pooping” the city.
Islamophobia and Pseudo‑Anti‑Semitism
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand accused Mamdani of supporting “global jihad,” apologizing over the backlash. Social‑media posts invoke 9/11, with captions such as “Remember 9/11 when you vote,” coupled with images of the World Trade Center towers. Mamdani is also the target of a claim that he proposes higher taxes on millionaires, a narrative fed by a local politician who equates such support with anti‑Semitism, arguing that “tax the rich” actually means “tax Jews.”
Fabricated Interviews and Media Mishaps
Mamdani interviewed his aunt about her post‑9/11 subway avoidance due to safety concerns while wearing a hijab, only for the New York Post to expose that the “aunt” was actually a cousin of his father. The Times of Britain later reported a supposedly exclusive interview with former mayor Bill de Blasio—who claimed never to have spoken to the outlet, and that the reporter had contacted a wine importer using the same name—leading the publication to withdraw the story.
Financial Shielding and Progressive Proposals
As the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, Mamdani pushes for free public transit, rent freezes in regulated districts, city grocery stores, public burial services, 200 000 affordable units, and higher corporate taxes on incomes over $1 million—policies that have ignited backlash from New York’s elite. More than $60 million from over 60 billionaires, including Michael Bloomberg, Airbnb co‑founder Joseph Gebbia, the Lauder family, Bill Ackman, and the Tisch and Hess families, support anti‑Mamdani political action or Cuomo’s candidacy.
Campaign Finance Disparities
According to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, Mamdani expended over 80 % of his campaign fund on support efforts and 17 % on attacks against Cuomo. In contrast, Cuomo diverted over 40 % of his dollars to target Mamdani.