Zohran Mamdani won the New York City Democratic mayoral primary with a bold, hopeful vision for economic justice and equity. But instead of respecting the will of voters, far-right politicians and media figures are smearing him with racist, Islamophobic attacks.

Stephen Miller, architect of Trump’s immigration crackdown, called Mamdani’s victory “a warning” about immigration. Rep. Nancy Mace posted a photo of him in traditional dress and invoked 9/11. Rep. Andy Ogles went so far as to urge that Mamdani be stripped of his citizenship and deported. Charlie Kirk openly tried to link him to the 9/11 attackers, writing, “Now a Muslim Socialist is on pace to run New York City.”

This isn’t just dog-whistle politics—it’s a full-blown disinformation campaign aimed at painting a Muslim candidate as a threat simply because of his faith and heritage.

Zohran’s campaign brought together a diverse coalition of New Yorkers across boroughs and backgrounds. He won neighborhoods rich in racial, economic, and political diversity. Voters heard his message—and they chose him.

These bigoted attacks insult every New Yorker who cast their ballot for hope, not hate. They also set a chilling precedent: that if you’re Muslim, or an immigrant, or brown, your legitimacy as an American candidate will always be questioned.

We call on Republican leaders and the media outlets creating and amplifying these smears to immediately stop spreading racist disinformation. This is about more than one candidate—it’s about the future of democracy in a multiracial, multi-faith America.

Stand up for dignity. Stand with Zohran Mamdani.

 
Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images