Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour issued a cautionary note on Saturday, urging supporters to “hold New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani accountable” for his campaign commitments, which include significantly restructuring the NYPD’s response to various threats, including terrorism and protests.
During an Instagram livestream, Sarsour emphasized that voting for Mamdani doesn’t equate to giving him free rein once in office. “His supporters will make sure he knows he can’t just do anything he pleases,” she stated.
Sarsour made it clear that she has no intention of working within Mamdani’s administration, remarking, “I’m sure there are people like me who want to stay outside.” She expressed the need for citizens on the outside to keep the administration in check, saying, “We see you. We’re paying attention.”
Neither Sarsour nor her political organization, M Power Action, offered further comments when approached.
It’s worth noting that Sarsour has been closely associated with Mamdani, having been a member of the Democratic Socialists of America alongside him. They previously campaigned for a council candidate backed by the organization in 2017; however, that candidate did not win. Following this, Mamdani joined the board of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York, which Sarsour co-founded. She has actively supported Mamdani’s recent campaign efforts, including his race for the City Council and now for mayor.
M Power Action is part of a larger coalition of Democratic Party-aligned groups aiming to help elect New York City’s first Muslim mayor.
Sarsour mentioned that if Mamdani does not live up to expectations, his coalition would hold him accountable. “When I’m at City Hall, if he does something wrong, I’m going to say he’s wrong,” she stated.
She also dismissed suggestions that Mamdani’s campaign is predominantly focused on his religious background, asserting, “It just so happens that he is Muslim.” She noted that Mamdani has shied away from explicitly pro-Palestinian agendas.
During his campaign, Mamdani had mentioned plans to retain Jessica Tisch as police chief but later indicated in a podcast that he expected her to adhere to his directives, including potentially disbanding the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group. This unit addresses threats from terrorism and protests, and has been active since the recent unrest following Hamas’ invasion of Israel.
Sarsour expressed her discontent regarding Mamdani’s decision to keep Tisch as part of his administration. “If she does not listen to him, then we clearly made a wrong decision,” she said, pressing for clarity on how he intends to ensure accountability within the police force.
She also hinted at the complexities within Mamdani’s alliances with organizations and individuals across different ideological lines, suggesting that some contradictions exist. “We cannot be both theocrats and leftists; these views simply do not align,” she remarked.
Sarsour conveyed that Mamdani will have a responsibility to his supporters if he wins. She mentioned her backing for other Muslim candidates in various locations, reinforcing her commitment to a new political approach. “Inshallah, we are starting a new type of politics,” she said.
