House Republicans are reportedly exploring options to utilize the Constitution’s “insurrection clause” to block Zoran Mamdani from assuming the mayoral office, even if he wins the election on Tuesday.
The Young Republicans Club of New York is advocating for this approach to hinder the frontrunner in the mayoral race from taking the oath on January 1, building on an idea brought up earlier this summer.
According to reports, this relates to the post-Civil War 14th Amendment, which allows for the removal from public office of anyone who “engages in rebellion or insurrection” or “gives aid or comfort to the enemy.” The group contends that Mamdani’s past remarks urging resistance to ICE might infringe upon this clause.
“There is strong pressure to either a) remove insurrectionist Zoran Mamdani from the ballot or b) oust him from office should he win on Tuesday,” said Stefano Forte, the chairman of the New York Young Republicans.
Republican lawmakers are monitoring the situation and may propose legislation once the current government shutdown concludes, according to sources.
This provision was previously rejected by the Supreme Court during Colorado’s effort to exclude President Trump from voting last year. The Court ruled that implementing the amendment was a congressional responsibility, giving the Republican majority a chance to assert its authority.
Supporters are seeking a congressional vote to declare Mamdani ineligible, which would require navigating a slim majority in the House and potentially overcoming a Senate filibuster.
They would also face legal challenges about removing elected officials from office. However, this tactic could create a political divide, forcing Democrats to either support or oppose what President Trump frames as a socialist agenda.
This initiative is emerging after the election and follows Speaker Mike Johnson’s call for lawmakers to return from recess amid the government shutdown.
Recently, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon speculated that Mamdani could “rebrand the Democratic Party” on his podcast, hinting at the reactions from MAGA allies if the frontrunner wins.
Meanwhile, House Republicans are intensifying efforts to push the Justice Department to investigate Mamdani’s citizenship process.
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has been promoting a prior campaign calling for a federal inquiry into the New York lawmaker’s citizenship upon his naturalization in 2018. He sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging her to “protect the integrity of the citizenship process.”
His campaign gained traction since a report on his efforts appeared over the weekend, leading to multiple media engagements and a commitment to keep the issue alive.
On October 28, Ogles wrote to the Justice Department reiterating his request for Mamdani’s deportation due to his “refusal to deny violent anti-American statements.” Current regulations prevent individuals from joining communist or totalitarian parties.
Ogles accused Mamdani, 34, of a consistent pattern of behavior at odds with the required oath of allegiance for new citizens. He’s sought updates from Bondi on the investigation’s scope and justification for any derogation process. On social media, he intensified his accusations, suggesting Mamdani aims to transform America into an Islamic theocracy.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-Florida) has also claimed that Mamdani misrepresented his citizenship application by not disclosing his affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America and support for the “Holy Five.”
“Next week, New York City will fall to communism, and they will have no one to blame but themselves,” Fine expressed recently. Ogles’ initial letter also referenced Mamdani’s remarks about the group, associated with a Palestinian American linked to an Islamic charity shut down for allegedly financing Hamas.
In response to inquiries, Mamdani has asserted that he is not a communist, stating, “No matter how many times a Republican member of Congress or the president calls me a communist, that doesn’t make it true.” His campaign has not commented further.
A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter but noted delays in responding due to the ongoing governmental impasse, clarifying that the department does not discuss the status of current or future investigations.
