New York Young Republican Club Seeks to Disqualify Mayoral Candidate

The New York Young Republican Club is attempting to disqualify Zoran Mamdani, a socialist candidate in the upcoming mayoral election. Reports indicate that Democratic candidates are alleging that Mamdani has provided “aid and comfort” to enemies of the United States.

A memo from the NYYRC spans 15 pages and has garnered support from two representatives: Claudia Tenney from Washington, D.C., and Merlin Statzman from Indiana.

According to the memo, Mamdani is accused of supporting known terrorists and enemies, which they claim warrants his disqualification under a specific clause in the Constitution.

This seldom-used provision of the 14th Amendment was initially intended to prevent former Confederate officials from returning to office after the Civil War. It allows Congress to bar individuals engaged in rebellion or those who provide aid to enemies.

The NYYRC asserts that Mamdani has given “assistance and comfort” by aligning with groups they label as anti-Israel.

Additionally, some lawmakers from Queens have pointed to his alleged support for gangs like MS-13, citing his calls for non-cooperation with immigration authorities and support for “enemy ideologies” such as Marxism.

The memo contends that there are justifications for applying this clause against Mamdani, claiming his affiliations could separate him from participating in the November general election.

Phil J. Regio, the memo’s author and recording secretary for the club, stated that it was created following remarks from the U.S. Attorney General’s office about Mamdani, labeling it as an attempt to weaken his candidacy.

Regio emphasized the significance of the oath Mamdani took as a state legislator, calling it a “binding obligation” to adhere to the law.

“Taking steps to protect known terrorists is a clear breach of that oath,” Regio remarked, expressing a desire for similar actions against other officials in sanctuary cities who oppose President Trump’s immigration policies.

He called for accountability among elected officials for their actions.

This initiative requires a two-thirds majority in both the U.S. House and Senate. If successful, it may still face challenges in the Supreme Court.

In a statement, Tenney noted that her office is reviewing the legal arguments put forth by the NYYRC regarding Mamdani’s potential disqualification, labeling him a “threat to the safety and financial health of all New Yorkers.”

“His proposals to impede federal law enforcement and implement a socialist system in New York City contradict the oath he would take as a member of the state assembly,” Statzman added, asserting that this disqualifies Mamdani under the 14th Amendment.

Earlier this year, Trump identified cartels and gangs like MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations, also denouncing Mamdani as “100% Communist” in a social media post. Notably, Mamdani has consistently denied being a communist, identifying as a socialist instead.

Mamdani’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the situation.