Could Mamdani's Mayoral Run Change Democratic Views on Israel?

Sat Oct 25 2025 09:09:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the battle for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani's candidacy challenges long-standing Democratic support for Israel, reshaping political landscapes.

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and Palestinian rights supporter, aims to change the narrative around Israel in the upcoming New York mayoral election. In a city traditionally aligned with pro-Israel sentiments, Mamdani's criticisms of Israel, framed as potential genocide, could redefine what it means to be a Democrat in New York. As former Governor Cuomo intensifies his pro-Israel rhetoric, a win for Mamdani may send shockwaves through Democratic circles. Public opinion appears to be shifting, with growing support for Palestinian rights among New Yorkers.

NEW YORK (SnapScope) — Ahead of the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, the political stakes are high as Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and avid supporter of Palestinian rights, takes on former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who represents traditional party lines.

Mamdani's bold stance includes accusations against Israel, claiming the actions in Gaza amount to genocide, and openly supporting the boycott of Israeli goods. This could potentially alter the historical expectations of mayoral candidates regarding their relationship with Israel.

In a city with the largest Jewish population outside Israel, Cuomo states it’s a given that being a Democrat means backing Israel. However, political analysts suggest that Mamdani's success might encourage a new generation of Democrats to voice their criticisms of Israel without fear of backlash. “This race is seen as a proxy for how the party will navigate its support for Israel moving forward,” says Basil Smikle, a former Democratic Party executive.

While Cuomo positions himself as a defender of Jewish security, Mamdani argues that his beliefs resonate with a growing number of New Yorkers who are questioning traditional perspectives on Israel and Palestine. Recent polling suggests that a significant portion of voters see Mamdani's views aligning more closely with their own, challenging established norms regarding the issue.

If victorious, Mamdani could help reshape Democratic discourse around Israel and Palestine, signaling a potential shift in political alignment within the party as it responds to changing public attitudes.