Corbyn’s Controversial Support for Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race Raises Eyebrows
As New York City’s mayoral race enters its final stretch, an unexpected international figure has emerged in support of progressive challenger Zohran Mamdani. Jeremy Corbyn, the former UK Labour Party leader who was expelled over antisemitism allegations, has thrown his weight behind Mamdani’s campaign against the Democratic establishment. On Sunday, Corbyn made his endorsement public via Facebook, sharing a photo of himself holding a “North London 4 Zohran” shirt with the enthusiastic caption, “Let’s get Zohran over the finish line for a New York that’s affordable for all!” This cross-Atlantic political alliance has raised eyebrows, especially considering both men’s controversial histories regarding Israel and accusations of antisemitism. Corbyn has also shared a phone-banking link organized by the Democratic Socialists of America’s NYC chapter, actively participating in voter mobilization efforts just days before the election.
The alignment between Mamdani and Corbyn isn’t surprising to political observers familiar with their similar ideological positions. Both men have been vocal critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and maintain close ties with the Democratic Socialists of America. Mamdani, like Corbyn, has faced accusations of antisemitism throughout his political career. Corbyn’s controversial history includes a damning 2020 report from the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission that found the Labour Party under his leadership had committed “unlawful acts of discrimination against Jewish members.” These findings led to his suspension and eventual formal expulsion from the Labour Party in 2024. Despite this, Corbyn has consistently denied all antisemitism allegations and recently launched his own left-wing political party called “Your Party.” His decision to actively campaign for Mamdani has intensified scrutiny on both men’s positions regarding Israel and Jewish communities.
The timing of this international endorsement couldn’t be more sensitive, coming just as New York voters prepare to head to the polls. Social media responses to Corbyn’s endorsement reflected widespread concern, with comments questioning why a British politician was “interfering with influencing politics in New York.” Former New York Governor and mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo swiftly condemned the collaboration, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Having Jeremy Corbyn — someone whose party was found to have committed unlawful acts of discrimination against Jewish people under his leadership – phone-banking for @ZohranKMamdani says everything you need to know. NY doesn’t need politics of moral compromise. We need leadership that rejects antisemitism, extremism, and division in every form and in every corner.” Cuomo’s response highlights the potentially damaging political implications of embracing such a controversial international figure.
Further complicating Mamdani’s campaign are recent allegations of financial impropriety. Just a week before the election, the Coolidge Reagan Foundation, a campaign finance watchdog group, filed two criminal referrals against Mamdani, claiming he received illegal contributions from foreign donors. While the Mamdani campaign maintains that any financial contribution issues have been resolved, these allegations add another layer of controversy to a campaign already under intense scrutiny. Mamdani’s decision to welcome Corbyn’s support despite these circumstances has raised questions about his political judgment, especially in a city with one of the largest Jewish populations in the world. The timing of these financial allegations, combined with Corbyn’s controversial endorsement, creates significant obstacles for Mamdani’s progressive campaign as election day approaches.
The relationship between Mamdani and Corbyn reflects broader tensions within progressive movements worldwide regarding Israel, Palestine, and accusations of antisemitism. Mamdani, who has aligned himself with the Democratic Socialists of America, is part of a progressive wing that has frequently criticized Israel’s military actions while advocating for Palestinian rights. However, critics argue that some of these positions cross the line into antisemitism—a charge both men vehemently deny. The Democratic National Committee’s approach to Mamdani has been described as embracing a “big tent party” philosophy, though several prominent New York Democrats, including state party leadership, have notably declined to endorse his candidacy. This divide within the Democratic Party illustrates the complex political calculations surrounding candidates with controversial foreign policy positions, particularly regarding Israel.
As New York City voters prepare to make their decision, Mamdani’s campaign faces the challenge of navigating these controversies while still appealing to a broad coalition of progressive voters. The endorsement from Corbyn may energize some parts of his base, particularly those who share their critical views of Israel, but it also risks alienating moderate voters and members of New York’s significant Jewish community. The mayoral race has become not just a contest over local issues like affordability, housing, and public safety, but also a referendum on progressive foreign policy positions and the boundaries of acceptable discourse regarding Israel and Palestine. Whether Mamdani can overcome these controversies and “cross the finish line,” as Corbyn hopes, remains to be seen as New York City voters head to the polls in what has become an increasingly contentious and internationally watched mayoral race.
