NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani doubles down on criticism of AIPAC | Israel-Palestine conflict News
New York City Mayor Critiques AIPAC Amid Campaign Controversy
Published June 23, 2026
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reaffirmed his criticisms of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on Monday, following backlash over his recent comments describing the pro-Israel lobbying group as “monsters.” His remarks came in response to a question regarding the potential risks of such language.
Last week, Mamdani expressed concern over AIPAC’s financial influence in a New York primary election, asserting that the organization spends “millions in dark money.” His statements have drawn criticism from some Jewish leaders.
“When I speak about AIPAC, I refer to an organization that supports a status quo that undermines safety not just in Palestine, but throughout the region. It is a status quo rooted in immorality,” Mamdani said at a press conference in City Hall.
The mayor highlighted the toll of ongoing violence in Gaza, noting that over 1,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli military actions since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was established last October.
“They defend the status quo through direct contributions, as we are observing in New York’s 13th District,” he added, emphasizing his position as the city’s first Muslim mayor.
Mamdani’s remarks at a rally in Vermont last week further fueled criticism, particularly from New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer, who accused the mayor of “laundering antisemitism.” Gottheimer suggested that substituting “AIPAC” for “Jews” echoes longstanding antisemitic conspiracy theories. “This rhetoric is dangerous,” he stated in a post on social media platform X.
The controversy arises as a new cohort of candidates challenges the Democratic Party’s political direction in New York’s primary elections, set to shape nominations for the upcoming midterm elections in November. Candidates’ positions on Israel have become a critical issue in these races.
Incumbent Adriano Espaillat, who has represented the district since 2017, has received support from AIPAC. Conversely, candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, backed by Mamdani, has faced scrutiny for her participation in a pro-Palestine protest shortly after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Chevalier has stated that her attendance was motivated by concerns over Israel’s potential military response against Palestinian civilians.
Federal Election Commission filings indicate that AIPAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, contributed over $600,000 last month to BOLD America, which supports Espaillat’s campaign in New York’s 13th District.
