Christian nationalists are reacting strongly to Zohran Kwame Mamdani’s election as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, fearing he will transform the U.S. into an Islamic theocracy. Some right-wing figures, including Rep. Andy Ogles, have made baseless claims about Mamdani’s citizenship and intentions. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith voiced concerns about a dominance of religions outside Christianity in the U.S., echoing sentiments from other Republican politicians like Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, who insinuated links between Mamdani and violent extremism.
Mamdani won the mayoral race with 50.4% of votes, highlighting a Democratic wave in various elections. Despite criticism, he focused on issues such as rent freezes, minimum wage increases, and public service access.
Jewish community leaders have expressed mixed feelings, concerned about Mamdani’s pro-Palestinian stance, while exit polls indicate a third of Jewish voters supported him. The mayor’s critics also labeled him a “communist,” blending Islamophobia with broader political fears.
While Muslim communities celebrated Mamdani’s victory as progress, there remained anxieties about safety and rising Islamophobia. Mamdani’s win signifies a potential shift in attitudes toward Muslim representation in U.S. politics, despite ongoing jingoism and fears related to Religious nationalism.
