Islamophobia Surges Amid New York Mayoral Race

The prospect of New Yorkers electing their first Muslim mayor this November has ignited a wave of paranoid statements from right-wing U.S. politicians, fuelling Islamophobia—the irrational fear and hatred of Islam and Muslims.

Last week, a Republican politician caricatured the Statue of Liberty wearing a burqa—an outer garment worn by some Muslim women that covers the entire body and face. The image, shared widely as an internet meme, was later deleted following public protests.

Another right-wing figure falsely claimed that Zohran Mamdani, who last month won the Democratic mayoral primary, might introduce Islamic Sharia law into New York City's statutes—with adulterers being stoned to death in public. One cynic joked that if such laws were enacted, New York might run out of stones, echoing a saying about Sharia fallout in a Middle Eastern desert kingdom.

Former President Trump also weighed in, calling Mamdani “a Communist lunatic.” The remark evoked memories of the McCarthyism era of the 1950s, when U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy led a campaign accusing politicians and celebrities of being Communists—a time often referred to as the "search for reds under every bed."

The 33-year-old Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and social media personality, currently serves in the New York State Assembly representing the 36th District in Queens. He defeated Andrew Cuomo, the three-time elected governor of New York, in the recent Democratic primary.

Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda. His middle name, Kwame, honours Kwame Nkrumah, a revolutionary leader and former President of Ghana. He moved to New York at age seven, graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, and later earned a degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College.

Dr James E. Jennings, President of Conscience International, stated: “If New York is truly a global city, having a Muslim mayor should be a welcome development. A quarter of the world’s population and nearly 10% of New York’s citizens are Muslims. Where better than the Big Apple to demonstrate America’s founding principles of liberty and justice for all?”

Jennings noted that while the 9/11 attacks and Trump’s presidency had tarnished America’s image, the election of someone like Mamdani could begin to repair ties with the Muslim world and shift U.S. politics toward greater inclusivity.

He also stressed that prejudice against Muslims is closely tied to Middle East politics, and a clear voice like Mamdani’s is essential to challenge the war-driven mentality promoted by the Netanyahu-Trump alliance.

“Many in New York’s Jewish community who reject the Likud Party’s policies and the atrocities in Gaza are reportedly backing the progressive candidate,” Jennings added.

Ian G. Williams, President of the Foreign Press Association, said Mamdani’s strength lies in his honesty. “When asked a question, he answers directly and truthfully, without pandering to funders or political action committees,” said Williams, who was also a former speechwriter for Neil Kinnock.

Williams noted that Mamdani turned the tables during a “gotcha” moment by questioning why a mayor should visit a country committing war crimes, rather than addressing issues at home—a move more powerful than any slogan.

Recalling how John F. Kennedy's Catholic faith once cast doubt on his candidacy, Williams said those criticising Mamdani's Muslim background while endorsing dogmatic religious rulings elsewhere are irrelevant.

Dr Ramzy Baroud, Editor of The Palestine Chronicle, said attacks on Mamdani represent a mix of outdated tropes—from McCarthyism to anti-Muslim hysteria and anti-Palestinian rhetoric.

“Mamdani is being accused of being a Communist, an Islamist, a madman, and an antisemite—all at once,” said Baroud. “It reflects the racism and desperation gripping political discourse in the U.S.”

He added that this backlash could ironically fuel Mamdani’s success, as Americans grow tired of such narratives. “His victory could reshape political discourse for the better,” Baroud said.

Baroud also warned of worsening political debate in the U.S., where even presidents now threaten to arrest opponents. He argued that leaders like Mamdani are needed more than ever to restore civility and justice.

Norman Solomon, executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy and national director of RootsAction, said Mamdani’s win reflects a generational shift in the U.S., with younger Americans embracing anti-racism and multiculturalism.

He warned, however, that a strong backlash is building. “Bigotry remains a powerful force,” Solomon said. “Yet Mamdani’s rise signals hope for social justice and a decisive rejection of Islamophobia.”