Andrew Cuomo Draws Backlash for Islamophobic Remarks Against NYC Mayoral Front-Runner Zohran Mamdani

New York City’s mayoral race took a sharp and controversial turn this week after Andrew Cuomo made Islamophobic remarks targeting front-runner Zohran Mamdani, a practicing Muslim and Shia member of the New York State Assembly.

During a radio interview with host Sid Rosenberg, Cuomo chuckled after Rosenberg called Mamdani a “terrorist” and joked that the candidate would cheer another 9/11 attack. Cuomo responded with laughter, saying, “That’s another problem.”

The former governor, now running an independent campaign after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, has repeatedly referenced Mamdani’s religion in recent days. He suggested that Mamdani’s policies “betray Islam” and warned of “haram” ideas while appealing to moderate and conservative voters.

Mamdani, who could become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, condemned the remarks. “This is not only Islamophobic and racist—it’s disgusting,” he said. “Andrew Cuomo’s message is that by virtue of your faith, you are worthy of suspicion.”

Cuomo’s comments drew bipartisan condemnation. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a frequent critic of Mamdani, said on X, “To insinuate that a mayoral candidate would celebrate a second 9/11 is beyond disgusting and disgraceful.”

The controversy deepened after Cuomo’s campaign briefly posted an AI-generated video depicting a fake version of Mamdani eating rice with his hands, which the campaign deleted following public outrage.

Cuomo has also been accused of darkening Mamdani’s image in campaign mailers and targeting his Muslim faith to appeal to specific voter blocs. In contrast, Mamdani has spoken openly about growing up in New York as a Muslim child in the aftermath of 9/11, calling for unity and understanding.

His campaign said New Yorkers will reject Cuomo’s tactics. “At the end of the day, this is New York City,” said senior adviser Zara Rahim. “People know Islamophobia when they see it—and they reject it.”

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