Linda Sarsour Vows to Hold Zohran Mamdani Accountable If Elected NYC Mayor
Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour has issued a direct warning to Zohran Mamdani, the frontrunner for New York City mayor, vowing to hold him accountable for his campaign promises if he is elected. In a livestream on Instagram, she emphasized that her coalition would not work for the Mamdani administration and would remain vigilant to ensure his commitments are fulfilled.
Mamdani, a Democrat and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has been a rising star in the city’s political landscape. He has been supported by a coalition of labor unions and Muslim and South Asian advocacy groups, aiming to elect New York’s first Muslim mayor. Sarsour, a co-founder of the political nonprofit MPower Action, has been a key figure in Mamdani’s political journey, advising him during his campaign for city council and later for a seat in the New York General Assembly.
The relationship between Sarsour and Mamdani is described as mentor and protégé, with Sarsour playing a significant role in his political development. However, in recent times, Sarsour has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of Mamdani’s leadership, particularly regarding his stance on law enforcement and public safety. In a recent livestream, she stated that she and her coalition would remain an active force, ensuring that Mamdani adheres to his campaign promises, including the dismantling of an NYPD unit that targetsterrorism, protests, and riots.
Mamdani’s campaign has drawn criticism for its controversial advisory circle, which includes radical clerics and activists linked to anti-Israel advocacy. Sarsour has acknowledged the complexity of Mamdani’s alliances but remains critical of the potential contradictions in his positions. Despite the controversies, Sarsour has expressed support for other Muslim candidates in the race, including Minneapolis mayoral candidate Amar Fateh and Jersey City mayor Mussa Ali, both of whom are also endorsed by Muslim political nonprofits supporting Mamdani.
As the NYC mayoral race heats up, the dynamics between Sarsour and Mamdani highlight the tensions within progressive politics. The outcome of the race will have significant implications for the city’s future, particularly regarding law enforcement policies and the role of Muslim and South Asian communities in New York politics.