Emgage Action, linked to the Progressive Political Action Committee, has identified Ghazala Hashmi, who is running for lieutenant governor in Virginia, and Zoran Mamdani, a candidate for mayor in New York, as “star candidates.”
The organization, noted as an independent expense filer by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), is tied to the EmGage Federal Political Action Committee. It also claims to be one of the largest Muslim political groups in the U.S.
Through its subsidiary, Defend and Advance—a Super PAC campaign—both Hashmi and Mamdani are highlighted. The group supports leaders committed to justice, human rights, and democracy both domestically and internationally.
Defend and Advance expressed its support for Mamdani over several months on social media, encouraging donations for his campaign. Emgage Action has also backed various “squad” members like Democratic representatives Summer Lee from Pennsylvania and Rashida Tlaib from Michigan.
The organization criticized former President Donald Trump, stating he failed to denounce white supremacist groups during violent protests in Charlottesville in 2017. They described Trump as a significant threat to democracy and have called for holding him accountable through legal means.
Emgage Action has highlighted the importance of mobilizing Muslim Americans for collective action aimed at supporting a pluralistic democracy and addressing issues pertaining to the Muslim community.
Recently, the group endorsed Kamala Harris for the vice presidency, despite mixed feelings about her policies in the Middle East. Leaders indicated that their priority is to defeat Trump in the upcoming presidential election.
Those at Emgage Action, like CEO Wael Alzayyat, have emphasized the necessity of honesty with the community in these challenging electoral times, acknowledging the complexities of supporting a candidate like Harris despite reservations.
However, frustrations have arisen among Muslim and Arab voters regarding Biden’s stance on the Gaza conflict, which has strained Democratic support and complicated Harris’s chances in the election.
The group previously endorsed Biden in 2020, citing his promises to reverse restrictive policies from the Trump era and strengthen immigration frameworks.
Concerns about bigotry have also surfaced around Mamdani, with accusations suggesting that his identity is being weaponized against him. Defend and Advance has decried these tactics as cowardly, asserting that prejudice should not be seen as a valid argument.
When Biden and Harris were first selected for the presidential ticket, Emgage highlighted the significance of representation and diversity in governmental roles and expressed hope for a more inclusive America under their leadership.
Efforts to reach out for comments from Defend and Advance, as well as from Hashmi and Mamdani’s teams, are ongoing.
