Mamdani’s First Endorsement Sparks Backlash After Support for Aber Kawas

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has drawn sharp criticism after reports that he endorsed Palestinian-American activist Aber Kawas for a New York State Assembly seat in Queens. The endorsement was reportedly announced at a closed-door Democratic Socialists of America meeting and marks Mamdani’s first public intervention in a local race since his November election.

Kawas became the focus of controversy after a video clip circulated in which she described the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as a “manifestation” of long-standing U.S. injustices. In the clip she said, "The system of capitalism and racism and white supremacy et cetera — and Islamophobia — have all been used to colonize lands, to take resources from other people and so this is a long trajectory and we’re just seeing the manifestations of that continuation with 9/11."

"The idea we have to apologize for a terror attack that a couple of people did and then there is no apology or reparations for genocides and for slavery, et cetera — is something I find reprehensible," Kawas added in the footage.

The clip was shared widely on social media by influencers and conservative activists, including Drew Pavlou and Greg Price. Republican politicians and conservative commentators responded strongly: Senator Ted Cruz reposted the footage, calling it representative of the current Democratic Party, while Erick Erickson and Rod Dreher warned of political consequences for Mamdani. Some voices on the left also criticized Kawas; commentator Russell Drew said Kawas is unfit for the state legislature and urged the Democratic Party to distance itself from such figures.

Political fallout and context

The endorsement and the ensuing backlash come as Mamdani prepares to assume office and shape his administration’s local and citywide priorities. Supporters of Kawas and of Mamdani argue endorsements within progressive circles are part of normal political coalition-building, while critics say the episode will fuel attacks from opponents and complicate early governing efforts.

As the debate continues online and in political circles, the episode highlights the fraught intersection of progressive activism, free expression, and electoral politics in a deeply polarized environment.