NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani doubles down on criticism of AIPAC

NYC Mayor Mamdani Repeats Criticism of AIPAC Spending in Congressional Primary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reiterated his criticism of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee after questions about whether his description of the group as “monsters” was appropriate. Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, made the remarks at City Hall on Monday while discussing the organization’s role in U.S. elections and policy toward the Middle East.

Mamdani stated that AIPAC supports existing policies that he described as a “status quo for immorality” affecting people in Palestine and the wider region. He linked the group’s activities to recent spending in New York’s 13th Congressional District primary, where AIPAC’s super PAC has backed incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat. The mayor said the organization resists changes that would increase safety for affected populations.

More than 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli forces since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect last October, according to Mamdani. He also referenced his earlier comments at a rally in New York, where he said AIPAC moves “millions in dark money” to maintain influence and divide communities.

AIPAC’s super PAC, the United Democracy Project, reported two contributions totaling more than $600,000 to BOLD America in recent weeks, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The funds have supported advertisements favoring Espaillat. These expenditures are publicly disclosed independent expenditures under federal campaign finance rules.

The statements have drawn responses from other elected officials. Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey wrote on X that substituting “Jews” for “AIPAC” in the remarks would echo longstanding antisemitic claims. Gottheimer said the language is dangerous in a city with more than one million Jewish residents.

Mamdani’s comments occur as several Democratic primaries test candidate positions on Israel and U.S. policy. Espaillat, who has held the seat since 2017, has received support from AIPAC-aligned groups. His challenger, Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is backed by Mamdani, attended a pro-Palestine demonstration the day after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. Chevalier has said she participated in anticipation of Israeli operations against Palestinian civilians.

Primary results will set the field for the November midterm elections. Candidates’ records on Israel-related issues have featured in several contested races this cycle. AIPAC has increased its involvement in Democratic primaries through its super PAC in recent years, with spending tracked through required FEC reports.

Mamdani’s office has not issued additional statements beyond the Monday remarks. The exchange reflects ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over lobbying influence and foreign policy positions ahead of the fall contests.