Islamophobia Accusations Shake Mamdani's NYC Mayoral Lead

On the eve of early voting, Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani delivered an emotional speech outside the Islamic Cultural Center of the Bronx accusing rivals — including Andrew Cuomo, Republican Curtis Sliwa and Mayor Eric Adams — of stoking Islamophobic and racist smears to undermine his campaign. Mamdani recounted post‑9/11 anti‑Muslim discrimination and pointed to a recent radio exchange in which Cuomo appeared to agree with a host's suggestion that Mamdani would "cheer" another 9/11 as evidence of a broader wave of Islamophobia. Cuomo called Mamdani "an actor playing the victim" and criticized his past positions, including a hesitation to denounce the phrase "globalize the intifada" and his refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. The Cuomo campaign briefly posted and deleted an AI‑generated "criminals for Mamdani" montage, saying a junior staffer inadvertently posted the draft, while critics including Bill de Blasio called the clip disqualifying. Mamdani is focusing on mobilizing younger, pro‑Palestine and Muslim voters in low‑turnout neighborhoods, but his lead appears to be under pressure as negative attacks intensify in the final days of the race.