Context:

Zohran Mamdani's rise in New York City's political landscape has been shaped by a complex network of support from leftist organizations and radical clerics, with significant backing from billionaire George Soros. His ascent, described as engineered rather than organic, has involved collaborations with groups like MPower Change and Emgage, which collectively received nearly $2.5 million from Soros’s foundations. Critics highlight Mamdani’s connections to controversial figures, including imams with extremist views, raising concerns about his political agenda. As Mamdani campaigns for mayor, the implications of this coalition reflect broader trends in American politics, signaling a shift towards more radical leftist ideologies. The outcome of this campaign may redefine political alignments in New York and beyond.

Dive Deeper:

• Mamdani's political career began in 2012 when he co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine while at Bowdoin College, known for its anti-Israel activism.

• In 2017, he began working with Linda Sarsour on Khader El-Yateem's city council campaign, which helped him build connections within activist circles.

• Mamdani formally joined Sarsour's Muslim Democratic Club of New York in 2018, gaining access to critical resources like voter lists and donor networks.

• MPower Change, founded by Sarsour, raised $2.4 million from 2017 to 2024, with significant donations from Soros’s Open Society Foundations, positioning itself as a vital organizing hub for progressive Muslim candidates.

• Emgage Action, another group allied with Mamdani, has received $42.5 million in funding aimed at boosting Muslim civic engagement and supporting candidates like Mamdani across the U.S.

• Mamdani's campaign has been bolstered by endorsements from imams with controversial backgrounds, raising alarms about his political affiliations and views.

• Recent criticisms have emerged from political opponents who label Mamdani a 'jihadist,' emphasizing the perceived dangers of his radical alliances.