Muslim organizations hail Mamdani’s historic win as New York City’s first Muslim mayor
CAIR and Shia Muslim Foundation call victory a milestone for representation, and social justice, and a rejection of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism in politics
NEW YORK CITY (MNTV) — Muslim groups across the United States have celebrated Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, calling it a defining moment for representation and a rejection of Islamophobia in American politics.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said Mamdani’s victory signaled a “historic turning point” for Muslim Americans, especially after a campaign marked by anti-Muslim attacks.
“Mayor-elect Mamdani’s ability to win while openly advocating for Palestinian human rights and enduring a barrage of anti-Muslim hate marks a historic rebuke of both Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism in politics,” CAIR said in a statement.
The advocacy group also praised young voters, especially university students, for mobilizing in support of Mamdani’s progressive campaign.
“Just one year after being smeared and brutalized for protesting the genocide in Gaza, these young people helped elect a mayor who vocally opposes that genocide and supports the right to peaceful protest,” it added.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Washington-based Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) congratulated Mamdani for what it described as a “powerful and inspiring moment” for American Muslims and the broader Shia community.
“Zohran Mamdani’s election shows that when our community engages, organizes, and votes, we secure the representation needed to advance our shared values for housing, equity, and dignity,” said Rahat Husain, SMF’s Executive Director.
The Foundation highlighted that Mamdani’s campaign — centered on economic justice — resonated strongly with New Yorkers. His platform includes universal childcare, rent freezes for stabilized housing, free city buses, and construction of 200,000 affordable housing units, financed by higher taxes on corporations and millionaires.
Both organizations underscored that Mamdani’s win represents the growing civic influence of Muslim Americans in major political systems.
The Foundation expressed hopes to collaborate with the new administration on shared goals such as equitable public services, housing security, and interfaith cooperation.
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