NYC Working-Class Muslims Rally Behind Policies Over Religion as Mamdani Leads Historic Mayoral Race
The working-class Muslim voters of New York City backed Zohran Mamdani’s historic mayoral campaign because of his economic policies regarding rent control, transportation, and affordability rather than his religious background, according to reports from various Muslim communities before November 4. The community takes pride in Mamdani’s potential to become New York City’s first Muslim mayor. Yet, voters across the city support his platform of rent freezes, free public transit, and universal childcare more than his representation.
Affordability Crisis Drives Muslim Voter Support
Store owner Aicha Donza from Morrisania explained to Al Jazeera how economic challenges affect her West African community in the Bronx because their median income remains below half of New York City’s average. The store owner, Aicha Donza, showed products from Ghana and Liberia in her shop while expressing her support for the candidate who promises to simplify everything. The high cost of rent, combined with expensive prices at local businesses, makes it difficult for customers to afford their needs. The free bus service he proposes would create a significant positive change for our community.
Mamdani presents a comprehensive policy plan that includes rent stabilization for stabilized properties, free citywide bus service, public grocery stores, and universal childcare, funded by $10 billion in corporate and wealthy resident tax revenue. USA Today reports that the 34-year-old assemblyman has successfully brought Muslim and South Asian residents into politics at record levels. At the same time, his campaign created a new voter coalition that brings diverse communities together.
Historic Milestone Tempered by Islamophobic Attacks
Mamdani would achieve three historic milestones if voters choose him on November 4: becoming America’s first Muslim mayor, first African-born mayor, and first South Asian mayor of New York City. The final stages of his campaign face ongoing challenges because of persistent Islamophobic and xenophobic attacks.
Mamdani delivered an emotional address at the Islamic Cultural Center in the Bronx on October 24 to counter anti-Muslim statements made by opponents Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, according to ABC News. Mamdani shared his experience of living under constant police surveillance since his childhood, near the 9/11 attacks, because airport staff used to doubt his intentions to harm the city.
During his October 24 radio appearance with Sid Rosenberg, Cuomo made a controversial statement to ABC News by saying, “God forbid another 9/11 would happen while Mamdani sat in office.” During the interview, Rosenberg made a statement about Mamdani, and Cuomo responded with laughter before saying, “Another problem.” During his joint appearance with Cuomo, Adams made a statement about Islamic extremists who he claimed were destroying German communities.
Muslim Identity in the Spotlight
Recalling his first Assembly campaign six years ago, Mamdani told supporters outside the Bronx mosque that an older Muslim community member—an “uncle”—had advised him to hide his faith. “That era is over,” the Democratic nominee declared on the bright October afternoon, according to USA Today. “I will no longer seek my identity in the shadows. I will embrace my identity in the light”.
According to The New York Times, Mamdani spoke directly to the “Muslims of New York City” during his October 24 address, mentioning an aunt who stopped using the subway after September 11 due to fears about wearing her hijab and a friend coerced into becoming an informant. “I hadn’t grasped the lesson he had learned repeatedly,” Mamdani reflected, describing how Muslims were taught that “safety could only be sought in the shadows of our city”.
Grassroots Campaign Defies Political Establishment
Mamdani achieved a shocking victory against Cuomo in the June 25 Democratic primary through his grassroots movement, which outperformed Cuomo’s establishment backing and his substantial campaign funds. The super PAC campaign spent $25 million to support Cuomo, but Mamdani won 43.5% of first-place votes, while Cuomo received 36.3%.
The Guardian reported that Mamdani won the election through ranked-choice voting, with 56% of the vote against Cuomo’s 44%, according to the final results. The campaign built its strength through numerous volunteers and received backing from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, according to NPR.
Commanding Lead in Final Stretch
Mamdani leads all candidates according to election polls, which show him maintaining a strong position before Election Day. Newsweek published its October 25 tracking poll, which showed Mamdani at 45 percent, Cuomo at 28 percent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa at 15 percent. Le Monde published election results showing Mamdani leading with 45 percent support, followed by Cuomo at 30 percent, and Sliwa at 15-20 percent.
A Wall Street Journal source revealed that President Donald Trump told his staff that Mamdani would win all possible matchups. However, the Trump administration denied this assessment to the public, according to Context Corner. The AARP New York-Gotham Polling & Analytics survey of 1,376 likely voters demonstrated Mamdani’s lead with 41.8 percent support.
Economic Message Resonates Across Communities
Mamdani solves practical problems through his approach, which differs from that of his opponents, who focus on protecting public safety and understanding the political origins. His policy proposals for rent control, free public transportation, affordable child care, and community-run grocery stores directly address the current economic challenges facing working-class families.
Mamdani used social media platforms to inform New Yorkers about his policy platform, which would redirect wealth from wealthy individuals and corporations toward social program funding, according to NBC News.