Democratic mayoral primary winner and New York state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani was issued a stark warning by Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on Wednesday, saying that if Mamdani’s supporters spout antisemitic rhetoric, “you can’t leave room for that to just sit there. You’ve got to condemn that.”
Newsweek reached out to the mayoral candidate’s campaign via email Wednesday night for comment.
Why It Matters
The rebuke arrives at a pivotal moment not just for Mamdani’s campaign, but as Democrats nationwide wrestle with internal divisions over Israel policy, rising anti-Jewish hate and endorsement strategies, all holding significance for the 2026 midterm cycle. Jewish communities and party leaders are watching these developments closely as political rhetoric and policy stances on antisemitism become central campaign issues.
Mamdani’s surge has intensified debate within the Democratic Party over its future direction, as his platform sharply contrasts with those of more centrist and establishment-aligned figures.
Unlike establishment Democrats—who have historically championed incremental reforms and avoided expansive tax policies targeting high-earners—Mamdani has proposed increasing taxes on residents earning more than $1 million annually, raising corporate tax rates and implementing a citywide rent freeze. These positions are central to his campaign, which he has framed around affordability, housing justice and public investment in services such as free child care and public transportation.
As Mamdani awaits critical Democratic backing, he sat down with business leaders this month, where he said he would discourage the phrase “globalize the intifada,” according to The New York Times, citing three people familiar with discussions.
What To Know
While speaking to Jewish Insider, Shapiro took a swipe at Mamdani, saying, “He seemed to run a campaign that excited New Yorkers. He also seemed to run a campaign where he left open far too much space for extremists to either use his words or for him to not condemn the words of extremists that said some blatantly antisemitic things.”
The assemblyman and democratic socialist has yet to secure key backing from Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also of New York, ahead of the November election.
The Democratic governor said he is “concerned that support for Israel in the United States broadly is down compared to what it was a decade ago.” He later added that “There are policies of the [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu government that I don’t support. I’ve been very vocal about that. But there’s a difference between not supporting the policies of whoever’s in charge at a particular time, and the underlying notion of a Jewish state of Israel.”
“I do think it is important to strengthen people’s understanding of Israel and the relationship America should have with Israel and to strengthen that bond,” Shapiro said.
The governor also handed out a piece of advice to Mamdani and any future leader: “You have to speak and act with moral clarity, and when supporters of yours say things that are blatantly antisemitic, you can’t leave room for that to just sit there. You’ve got to condemn that.”
Previously, Mamdani seemingly defended the phrase “globalize the intifada” as “a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights.” He has also called antisemitism a “real issue” in New York City and said Hamas’ attack of Israel on October 7, 2023, was a “war crime.”
What People Are Saying
Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas posted to X on Wednesday: “Zohran Mamdani is not a socialist. He is a communist and an extremist who wants to take over New York City. Chuck Schumer is terrified, but that’s the reality of where Democrats are today.”
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has backed Mamdani, on X this month: “Billionaires like Bill Ackman have promised to spend tens of millions of dollars to defeat @ZohranKMamdani because they don’t like the result of the democratic primary. That’s not democracy, that’s oligarchy in action. Stand with Zohran.”
Political science professor at Columbia University, Robert Y. Shapiro, to Newsweek via email on Wednesday: “This criticism of Mamdani is already baked in here in the mayoral campaign. Josh Shapiro’s (no relation) statement draws attention to this issue in national party politics, which is a separate question. As to the local mayoral race, Mamdani may have his chance to respond further as any antisemitic hostility occurs and if this rhetorica [sic] appears among his supporters. There are a lot of undecided Democratic and other voters, who are unhappy with all the candidates, and they will be watching for any signs that Mamdani condones antisemitism and for signs that his socialist policy tendencies are becoming too extreme and detached from reality.”
What Happens Next
Mamdani’s campaign continues facing challenges expanding its base beyond progressive voters, particularly as he seeks endorsements from Democratic leaders and reassurance for Jewish communities.
With the election approaching in November, voter response will determine whether Mamdani’s progressive platform can overcome these divisions or if concerns over rhetoric and party unity will tip the balance in favor of his rivals.
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