New York Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for New York City mayor, is receiving fundraising assistance from U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, a move that has drawn criticism due to Ms. Tlaib's public stance on Israel. Ms. Tlaib has reportedly appealed to potential donors on behalf of a super PAC supporting Mamdani's campaign.
Ms. Tlaib recently sent text messages to supporters promoting the super PAC, New Yorkers for Lower Costs. The message referenced Zohran Mamdani and highlighted his support for a ceasefire in Gaza and workers' rights.
Mamdani, like Ms. Tlaib, has been critical of Israel and supports the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement targeting the nation. Ms. Tlaib's fundraising appeal contrasted Mamdani's campaign funding against that of his opponent Andrew Cuomo's allied super PAC.
While Zohran Mamdani's direct campaign has reached the maximum fundraising limit under the city's public financing rules, independent outside groups are not subject to the same caps. The New Yorkers for Lower Costs super PAC has raised roughly $60,000, significantly less than the more than $4 million secured by the pro-Cuomo Fix The City super Pac.
Ms. Tlaib also participated in a virtual organizing event for Mamdani last month. She urged supporters to back his mayoral bid, suggesting the super PAC could fund advertisements his campaign could not.
Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is currently polling in second place in the Democratic primary race, trailing Andrew Cuomo..The support from Ms. Tlaib and Mamdani's public positions on the Middle East have drawn sharp reactions from some quarters. Assemblyman Kalman Yeger, a vocal supporter of Israel, criticized the fundraising effort and Mamdani's candidacy. Ms. Tlaib, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has been censured by colleagues for past statements regarding Hamas and Israel.
Mamdani's campaign has emphasized affordability and outreach to working-class New Yorkers, including specific targeting of Muslim and South Asian voters. However, his political alignment and controversial associations remain a focus for opponents.
Assemblyman Kalman Yeger stated, "Unfortunately, in New York City, there are antisemites out there who would be receptive to her message, and Mamdani is the most antisemitic candidate New York has ever seen."