Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) responded enthusiastically to the outcome of New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, hailing Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s win as an “incredible victory.”
Taking to X, Omar offered her congratulations and applauded New Yorkers for rejecting what she described as the influence of “bigots and corrupt billionaires.” Her post came shortly after Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor, acknowledged Mamdani’s lead and conceded the race.
“Congratulations @ZohranKMamdani!” Omar wrote. “This is an incredible victory and testament to the people powered campaign you put together. Thank you NYC for not letting the bigots and corrupt billionaires prevail. This victory also belongs to you.”
Omar also sent encouragement to Mamdani as he prepares for the general election. “As you’ll get read for the general election, know that we will all be cheering you,” she said, ending her message with “Alhamdulillah!”—an Arabic phrase meaning “All praise is due to Allah.”
Although Mamdani is currently in the lead and has declared he is “honored” to be the Democratic nominee for mayor, the final result hinges on New York City’s ranked-choice voting system, which may still alter the outcome.
According to previous reporting from Breitbart News, Mamdani openly embraces “far-left socialist views” but comes from a well-off background. He is the son of Mira Nair, the noted Indian-American filmmaker known for Salaam Bombay and Monsoon Wedding, and was raised amid considerable privilege.
Despite this upbringing, Mamdani has attempted to distance himself from his privileged roots. There have been claims that he has used different accents to tailor his speech depending on the audience he’s addressing.
After securing a seat in the New York State Assembly, Mamdani began applying his creative talents in support of his political ideology. As noted by City and State New York: “Since joining the Assembly, Mamdani has drawn on his unique background in film production and performance to advance socialist causes. ‘Why do we only need to make a glossy, accessible, fun, compelling video when you’re running for office as opposed to when we’re in office fighting for the things that we said we would do?’ he asked.” The article further likens his approach to that of a well-known political icon. “He’s the socialist, Muslim Ronald Reagan,” Najmi said.
Though celebrated by left-wing figures like Omar, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Mamdani has also drawn criticism from more moderate Democrats. Among his critics are New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY), both of whom have expressed concern over his political leanings, calling him “too extreme to lead.”
In a segment on Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends, Mayor Adams was especially blunt, referring to Mamdani as “a snake oil salesman” and accusing him of being willing to “say and do anything to get elected,” according to Fox News.
As Adams seeks a second term, he is doing so under a different banner—this time running as an independent. He has promoted the idea that the city requires leadership beyond partisan politics. “I have always put New York’s people before politics and party — and I always will,” Adams said back in April. “I am running for mayor in the general election because our city needs independent leadership that understands working people.”
{Matzav.com}