Zohran Mamdani calls out Islamophobia in NYC Mayoral Race

On October 25, 2025, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist nominee running to become the next mayor of New York City, released a powerful video addressing the rampant Islamophobia he has faced throughout his campaign.

In the video, Mamdani broadens the focus beyond his own experience, highlighting how Muslim Americans, especially in New York City, have long been the targets of anti-Muslim racism. He recalls how even well-meaning Muslim Americans have advised him to downplay his faith to avoid becoming a target of hate or violence. He speaks about the harassment and violence that Muslim women, particularly those who wear the hijab, continue to endure. He underscores the role that political figures and media institutions have played in perpetuating harmful stereotypes, exploiting fear, and endangering Muslim communities for personal and political gain.

Through the video, Mamdani captures the decades-long Muslim American experience—one marked by systemic discrimination and fear, driven by those who wield racist tropes for power. He powerfully asserts that Islamophobia is not just tolerated but often applauded, approved, and promoted by those in leadership. “One can incite violence against our mosques and know that condemnation will never come,” he states. “Elected officials in this city can sell t-shirts calling for my deportation without fear of any accountability.”

Mamdani concludes by emphasizing that Islamophobia transcends party lines, calling it a bipartisan issue. Despite the escalating attacks against him, he vows to remain steadfast in his identity and faith, declaring, “I will not change who I am. I will not change the faith that I am proud to belong to.”

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video and accompanying materials are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bridge Initiative. This material is shared exclusively for educational and analytical purposes. The Bridge Initiative does not endorse any political candidate or campaign.