Mamdani Ripped For Tone-Deaf ‘Demand’ After Winning NYC Mayor’s Race

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani came under fire after making an eyebrow-raising plea for campaign donations less than 24 hours after his victory, exposing what critics are calling a tone-deaf moment for the self-proclaimed champion of the working class.

In a video shared on X, Mamdani outlined the transition process and stressed that “a lot of work” remained to be done as he prepared to take office. However, the 34-year-old democratic socialist did something unexpected — he asked for donations from the very same working-class New Yorkers he promised to help during his campaign.

“I know we had asked supporters to pause donations during the final stretch of the campaign, but now we need your help to ensure a smooth transition,” Mamdani said. “We need funds to hire experts, build the necessary infrastructure, and support the extensive preparations required for our administration. Thank you, New York City. Together we made history. Now let’s get to work.”

While the request may have been for a good cause, the timing didn’t sit well with many of his critics. Some pointed out the irony of a candidate who spent months positioning himself as a voice for the working class now asking them to dig even deeper into their wallets.

One X user quipped, “It’s been less than 24 hours since Mamdani won the election & he’s already asking for money. Congratulations New York City, bravo.” Another remarked, “Islamist and Communist Mamdani promises ‘free’ stuff. Now he begs for donations?” A third added, “Already begging for money. What a joke.”

In a particularly biting response, one commenter posted a photo of Alex Soros, the son of billionaire George Soros, alongside Mamdani, writing: “When you ask taxpayers for more money — make sure to ask your friends first.” This was a clear reference to the connection between Mamdani and the Soros network.

The scrutiny didn’t stop there. A report by Fox News revealed how Mamdani’s rise to prominence in New York politics was heavily assisted by left-wing donors and organizations, many of which have been linked to controversial figures. The report notes that Mamdani has been aligned with radical imams and anti-Semitic activists in his quest for political power.

Mamdani’s campaign has received substantial financial backing from groups linked to billionaire George Soros, with organizations like MPower and Emgage receiving millions in funding from his Open Society Foundations. According to tax filings, these groups have collectively received nearly $2.5 million in recent years.

These same groups—along with others in the network, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Islamic Circle of North America, and the Yemeni American Merchants Association—have actively supported Mamdani’s rise through coordinated outreach, canvassing, and voter mobilization efforts. The coalition, collectively managing annual revenues of around $24 million, has played a central role in advancing Mamdani’s political agenda.

Moreover, Mamdani’s campaign has benefited from significant endorsement and funding from Linda Sarsour, a prominent left-wing activist with known ties to controversial political movements. These groups have not limited their influence to New York City; they have also backed socialist candidates in Virginia, Minnesota, Texas, and California.

The result is a finely-tuned political operation that mirrors the ideology of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and activist groups that have championed Mamdani’s cause. The Emgage-backed "Defend and Advance" campaign, which Mamdani is a part of, features other high-profile left-wing candidates, including Ghazala Hashmi, running for Virginia lieutenant governor.

As Fox News pointed out, Mamdani’s rapid rise is emblematic of a wider movement aimed at pushing America further left, and his victory—while historic—may signal more radical change on the horizon for New York City and beyond.