Zohran Mamdani: The New Target of Conservative Media Wrath

Wed Nov 19 2025 08:55:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Newly elected Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, has quickly become the focus of conservative media attacks, facing severe criticism and labels from right-wing commentators, even before officially taking office.

Zohran Mamdani, set to be the new mayor of New York City, has drawn significant ire from conservative media, with various figures labeling him as a 'commie' and 'Marxist'. His election victory speech and positions have made him a new 'bogeyman' akin to figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nancy Pelosi, with his socialist affiliations and Muslim background at the center of the controversy. As right-wing commentators gear up for a sustained campaign against him, Mamdani's appeal to working-class Americans has the potential to resonate politically, especially as the midterm elections approach.

New York City’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, hasn’t taken office yet. But he’s already the new avatar of evil for conservative media figures.

He’s been called “downright sinister” and “incompatible with America.” His labels include commie, Marxist, jihadist sympathizer and “seething leftist.” Fox News’ Laura Ingraham warned her viewers not to be fooled by “smiling socialists who rule like Soviet tyrants.”

A New York Post post-election cover depicted Mamdani holding aloft the Soviet Union’s hammer and sickle symbol. The cover sold out by noon and was quickly resold on eBay for $75. By the day's end, the Post was marketing baby onesies and commemorative plates bearing the controversial image.

Conservative outlets are beginning to see Mamdani join the ranks of political figures guaranteed to incite outrage among their audiences, potentially aiding Republican candidates in upcoming elections.

“It’s very clear that he’s going to be the No. 1 target of right-wing media for the foreseeable future, well into 2026,” said Howard Polskin, publisher of The Righting. “He’s colorful, controversial and not afraid of a fight.”

Mamdani is perceived as a threat due to his connection with working-class Americans who feel neglected by the economy, reminiscent of Donald Trump's appeal but stemming from differing ideologies. His victory speech has been interpreted by some media commentators as sinister; this perception seems designed to paint him as a significant challenger to the status quo.

Newsmax echoed similar critiques, calling Mamdani the “mayor for the foreign-born”, suggesting that diversity in New York City has led to his election. The outlet, among others, sees greater risk in Mamdani’s potential ideologies.

The New York Post quickly recognized him as a target, producing a series of covers leading up to the election that characterized Mamdani in negative light.

While Mamdani identifies with democratic socialism, conservative commentary conflates his ideology with communism. Despite his declaration that he is not a communist, attacks continue to label him as a villain by right-wing media.

Mamdani's history of supporting Palestinian rights has led to skepticism about his commitment to the Jewish community, further complicating his public perception.

Mamdani criticized religious-based attacks he faced during his campaign, acknowledging the difficulty of shifting the narrative. His rise could introduce him as a key figure in Democratic politics, with right-wing commentators now alert to the potential influence he could wield among younger voters.