Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defended Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for mayor of New York, after Republican Representative Brandon Gill criticized his Arabic campaign efforts. Gill remarked that it was humiliating for a prominent mayoral candidate to campaign in Arabic just years after 9/11. He shared a tweet featuring Mamdani’s campaign video which was in Arabic.
Ocasio-Cortez, who has voiced her support for Mamdani, retweeted Gill’s comments and responded with a powerful message about the diversity of languages in New York City. She pointed out that over 100 languages are spoken, highlighting this as a strength of American culture. If someone feels embarrassed by this diversity, she suggested that’s their personal issue.
Gill’s remarks faced backlash from within the Republican party as well. Florida Representative Randy Fine responded by sharing Mamdani’s Arabic post, controversially stating that individuals who cannot speak English shouldn’t have the right to vote.
Former President Donald Trump has urged New York voters to back ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo in the race. He criticized the Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, suggesting that a vote for him was akin to a vote for Mamdani. Trump argued that regardless of personal feelings about Cuomo, voters should support him, claiming that Mamdani is not fit for the role.
The election in New York City is set for November 4th.
