Former British Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was expelled from his party amid accusations of anti-Semitism, is now backing Zoran Mamdani as he seeks to solidify his position in the New York City mayoral race. This collaboration comes just days before voting begins, positioning Mamdani as a progressive challenger within the Democratic Party.
Mamdani has criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza and shares an affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), similar to Corbyn. Both have faced scrutiny over anti-Semitism allegations. On Sunday, Corbyn, now serving as an independent MP, expressed his support for Mamdani by sharing a photo on Facebook while wearing a North London 4 Zoran shirt.
Corbyn’s post read, “Let’s get Zoran to the finish line and make New York affordable for everyone!” This sparked a mix of reactions on social media, with some questioning the appropriateness of Corbyn’s involvement in New York politics.
In addition to his social media support, Corbyn provided a link to a phone banking initiative organized by the DSA’s New York branch, urging volunteers to help mobilize voters for Mamdani. The call to action emphasized the urgency of the election, stating, “There are only two days left until Election Day, and each conversation brings us closer to winning a better New York.”
Corbyn’s history with allegations of anti-Semitism resonates in the current political landscape. Back in 2020, the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission found that his leadership was involved in unlawful discrimination against Jewish members. Following the report, Corbyn was expelled from the Labor Party in 2024 and has since established a new left-wing group called Everyone’s Party, consistently denying the allegations against him.
The endorsement has stirred significant controversy, with former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo condemning Mamdani for partnering with Corbyn. He remarked on social media that Mamdani’s decision to engage with Corbyn, whose leadership was critiqued for discrimination, speaks volumes about his political choices. Cuomo stressed that New York needs leadership that outright rejects anti-Semitism and extremism.
As the election date nears, Mamdani’s campaign is not without challenges. Recently, a campaign finance watchdog group filed criminal charges against him, claiming he received illegal contributions from foreign entities. However, Mamdani’s team insists that any funding issues have been addressed.
In this tense political environment, the upcoming mayoral election is shaping up to be quite pivotal, not just for Mamdani and Corbyn, but for the broader political dynamics within the city and the Democratic Party as a whole.
