Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, has thrown his support behind Aber Kawas, a Palestinian-American activist, as his replacement in the State Assembly’s 36th district.
Kawas, who only moved to the district last year, has drawn attention for past statements linking the September 11 attacks to “white supremacy” and broader systemic issues in America.
Her comments, made during a 2017 event hosted by the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, suggested that capitalism, racism, and Islamophobia shaped global conflicts, and that historical injustices deserved acknowledgment alongside responses to terrorism.
Controversy Erupts Over Past Statements
Mamdani’s endorsement has sparked immediate backlash from commentators across the political spectrum.
Critics questioned why the mayor-elect would back someone with such provocative remarks about 9/11, with some labeling the position as unpatriotic or extreme.
The support also drew comparisons to Mamdani’s past associations, including his friendship with progressive streamer Hasan Piker, who has made controversial statements about America.
Observers questioned whether Mamdani’s political network has normalized extreme rhetoric.
A Competitive Race Within the Democratic Socialist Camp
Interestingly, Kawas’s main challenger for the seat is another Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member, Brian Romero, who serves as deputy chief of staff to Assembly member Jessica Gonzales-Rojaz.
The race is shaping up as a contest not just of ideas, but also of intra-party influence.
The New York Daily News reached out to both Mamdani and Kawas for comment, but at the time of publication, neither had responded.
Mamdani Eyes Cooperation With Trump Administration
Despite the controversy surrounding his Assembly pick, Mamdani has signaled a willingness to work with President Donald Trump on city issues.
He confirmed plans to reach out to the president before taking office, emphasizing that dialogue on lowering living costs and improving services for New Yorkers is a priority.
“It is important that you are open to working with anyone no matter what disagreements you have,” Mamdani told NBC New York.
“If President Trump wants to speak about lowering the cost of living or delivering cheaper groceries, I’m here to have that conversation.”
Tensions With Trump During Election
Mamdani’s mayoral campaign was marked by intense conflict with Trump, who repeatedly opposed his candidacy.
The former president endorsed Andrew Cuomo, warning that Mamdani’s victory could turn New York into a “complete and total economic and social disaster.”
Trump even threatened to withhold federal funds if Mamdani won.
Mamdani, however, pushed back during his victory speech, directly addressing Trump with a playful challenge: “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up!”
Moving Forward Amid Political Challenges
Despite past tensions, Trump has suggested a more cooperative approach, stating, “We’re going to see how that works out, and we’ll help him. We want New York to be successful.”
Meanwhile, Mamdani has been coordinating with Governor Kathy Hochul to navigate the city’s federal funding challenges and ensure a smooth transition for his administration.
As Mamdani begins his term, all eyes will be on how he balances progressive priorities with the need to engage constructively with a divided political landscape—and how his Assembly endorsement plays out in the broader Democratic Socialist movement.
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