Zohran Mamdani's rise in the New York mayoral race sparks anti-Muslim vitriol

"His campaign has been met by a surge in anti-Muslim language directed at the Democratic nominee, who would become the city's first Muslim mayor if elected in November. Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee called him "little muhammad" and urged deportation. On social media, GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina referenced 9/11 alongside a photo of Mamdani dressed in a kurta, a loose collarless shirt common in South Asia."

"On many levels, Mamdani's run is a significant moment for the country and New York City, which endured 9/11 and the rise in Islamophobia that followed. "He really does hold so much symbolism," said Youssef Chouhoud, a political scientist at Christopher Newport University. The campaign is a reminder of anti-Muslim discrimination, he said, but also of Muslim Americans asserting their right "to lead this society moving forward.""

"Politicians from both major parties have attacked Mamdani's progressive politics and criticism of Israel. Conservatives have leaned more heavily into religious attacks and anti-immigrant sentiments. President Donald Trump singled him out for censure and falsely questioned his U.S. citizenship, echoing "birther" rhetoric he once aimed at former President Barack Obama. At the National Conservatism Conference, multiple speakers used Mamdani's name and religion as attack lines, with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon calling the democratic socialist a "Marxist and a jihadist.""

Zohran Mamdani's rapid rise in New York City's mayoral race has made him a national symbol and a point of pride for many Muslim Americans. His campaign has faced a surge of anti-Muslim language and imagery, including calls for deportation and references to 9/11. Critics across parties have targeted his progressive politics and criticism of Israel, while conservatives have emphasized religious and immigrant-focused attacks. President Donald Trump falsely questioned his U.S. citizenship, echoing birther rhetoric. At conservative conferences, speakers labeled him with terms such as "Marxist" and "jihadist." Many Muslim Americans recognize these attacks as part of Islamophobia and threats faced by Muslim political figures.

Read at AP News