Criticism Flows in New York Mayoral Race

Vice President J.D. Vance took to X on Saturday to criticize Zoran Mamdani, a candidate in the New York mayoral race, claiming that his aunt was viewed as the “real victim of 9/11,” according to the Democrats’ narrative.

Vance’s remarks were made as early voting kicked off in New York City. Mamdani, who leads the race, faces stiff competition from Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.

Mamdani shared a personal story, stating, “I want to speak to the memory of my aunt, who stopped riding the subway after September 11th because she didn’t feel safe wearing a hijab.” This statement was highlighted in a campaign video that Vance shared.

“According to Zoran, the real victim of 9/11 was his aunt, who (supposedly) got a bad look,” Vance commented.

As mayoral and gubernatorial races intensify, early voting is indeed active in both New York and New Jersey.

Mamdani further expressed, “I want to speak to the Muslims who work for our city, whether they teach in schools or serve in the NYPD. All New Yorkers make sacrifices every day for the city we call home, only to see our leaders spit in our faces.”

He continued, reflecting on his own experiences growing up in the shadow of 9/11, saying, “Having grown up feeling marked as other, chosen at random in ways that never seemed random, carrying stains that could never be wiped away, I know what it means to live with an undercurrent of suspicion in this city.”

FOX News Digital reached out to Mamdani’s campaign for feedback on Vance’s comments.

In another debate, tensions flared between Cuomo and Mamdani, with the former governor facing accusations of “Islamophobic rhetoric.” This came after Cuomo speculated on a radio show about whether Mamdani could handle a crisis similar to 9/11.

Cuomo raised questions about Mamdani’s leadership capabilities, asking, “Can you imagine Mamdani sitting there?” This remark prompted responses from those present, including the radio host.

Later, a reporter pressed Mamdani on whether he found Cuomo’s comments to be Islamophobic. He replied, “Yes, I think so,” and added that Cuomo’s rhetoric was offensive and not reflective of a former governor’s dignity.

The mayoral race in New York continues to heat up, with early voting now in progress.