Over 110 Groups Linked to Socialist Mayoral Candidate's Rise in NYC, Report Highlights Linda Sarsour's Role

New York City – A recent investigation has unveiled a complex network exceeding 110 organizations reportedly instrumental in the political ascent of Zohran Mamdani, a socialist politician now a frontrunner for mayor. Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour is highlighted as a key figure in this "engineered" rise, prompting concerns about the evolving political landscape in New York. The findings suggest a strategic blend of progressive activism, faith-based organizing, and professional campaign tactics.

The tweet from Jason Curtis Anderson, stating, > "We live in Linda Sarsour’s New York, most people just don’t know it yet," points to a perceived significant, yet under-recognized, influence of Sarsour in the city's political sphere. This sentiment is echoed in the investigation, which details her long-standing role as a political mentor and network builder for Mamdani. Her involvement dates back to at least 2017, when she posed in a campaign photo with a young Mamdani.

Central to this network are groups like Empower Change, founded by Sarsour, and Engage Action, a national Muslim American advocacy group. These organizations have reportedly received substantial funding, including nearly $2.5 million from George Soros' Open Society Foundations to Empower and Engage in recent years. Public filings indicate Empower Change alone raised at least $2.4 million between 2017 and 2024, with additional significant contributions from other large philanthropies.

The report identifies Empower and Engage as core components of a tight inner circle of 30 ethnic and religious organizations, collectively boasting annual revenues of approximately $24 million. These groups have mobilized voters, volunteers, and social media efforts to support Mamdani's campaigns, effectively mainstreaming socialist goals associated with the Democratic Socialists of America. Mamdani secured his New York State Assembly seat in 2020 with direct backing from Sarsour's network.

Mamdani's campaign has faced scrutiny for associations with controversial religious figures, including an Imam who previously prayed to "annihilate Israel." Despite backlash, Mamdani's campaign has not distanced itself from these figures, receiving public support from Sarsour, who shared a selfie with him, writing, "May Allah continue to bless and protect you." Critics argue that this sophisticated alliance between political activism, ideology, and funded philanthropy has shaped Mamdani's path to power.