Mamdani Campaigns Alongside Controversial Imam in NYC

Zohran Mamdani, a leading candidate in the New York City mayoral race, visited the Masjid At-Taqwa mosque on October 18, 2025, alongside Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a controversial cleric linked to past terrorism-related activities. This appearance has drawn scrutiny due to Wahhaj’s history, which includes being named by prosecutors as a potential co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, an attack that resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to over 1,000 others.

During the visit, Mamdani praised Wahhaj, calling him a “pillar” of the community. He stated on social media, “Today at Masjid At-Taqwa, I had the pleasure of meeting with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders and a pillar of the Bed-Stuy community for nearly half a century.” The event coincided with a significant prayer gathering, known as Jummah, which is observed by Muslims every Friday.

Wahhaj’s past includes serving as a character witness for Omar Abdel-Rahman, a cleric who was convicted for orchestrating terrorist plots and is currently serving a life sentence. Wahhaj previously described Abdel-Rahman as a “respected scholar” and has faced criticism for his connections to individuals linked to terrorist activities. In 2024, three of Wahhaj’s children were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in a jihadist training camp that allegedly plotted attacks against the U.S. government.

Mamdani’s campaign is gaining momentum, with a recent poll indicating he holds 52% of support among likely voters. This places him ahead of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an Independent with 28% support, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, who has 14%.

Wahhaj has publicly endorsed Mamdani, stating in an Instagram video that he is a “very good candidate.” Additionally, he contributed $1,000 to the Unity and Justice Fund, a super PAC that has directed funds primarily towards Mamdani’s campaign efforts. This financial backing has raised questions regarding the implications of such associations in the context of Mamdani’s political aspirations.

The campaign’s alignment with Wahhaj has sparked debate among political analysts and constituents alike. Critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on Mamdani’s credibility, considering Wahhaj’s controversial background. Despite these challenges, Mamdani’s team has not publicly addressed inquiries regarding the implications of this partnership.

Both Mamdani and Wahhaj were unavailable for immediate comment following the mosque visit. The unfolding dynamics of this campaign reflect the complex interplay of community ties, political strategy, and historical context in one of the nation’s most significant electoral battlegrounds.