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FIRST ON FOX: Republicans are seizing the opportunity to brand the democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as emblematic of Democratic vulnerabilities nationwide.
In the three weeks following his surprising success in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, Republicans have intensified efforts to tie Mamdani to Democrats facing tough contests in the upcoming midterm elections.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the campaign division for House Republicans, is spearheading this strategic initiative.
On Friday, the NRCC rolled out targeted advertisements connecting three Democratic House members from New York and one from New Jersey to Mamdani, the 33-year-old Ugandan-born state assemblyman representing Queens.
RNC Chair Highlights Mamdani as New Face of Democratic Party
The digital ads precisely target Democratic Representatives Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen, and Josh Riley from New York, alongside Nellie Pou from New Jersey. Each of these lawmakers represents districts known for their competitiveness.
The advertisements, funded through a modest budget, were exclusively revealed to Fox News Digital.
Mamdani’s recent victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and a crowded field of candidates gives Republicans substantial material for criticism. By securing the Democratic nomination, Mamdani positions himself to potentially become New York City’s first Muslim and millennial mayor.
Mamdani’s Victory Exacerbates Factions Within the Democratic Party
Mamdani has laid out an agenda that includes abolishing fares for New York City’s extensive bus system, making City University of New York tuition-free, imposing a rent freeze on municipal housing, providing free childcare for children under five, and establishing government-operated grocery stores.
The Republican onslaught is bolstered by sensational media reports, including a 2020 photograph that Mamdani posted online showing him gesturing profanely at a statue of Christopher Columbus. Add to this his past remarks about arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and criticisms of capitalism during a cable news interview, and you have a rich repository of content for GOP campaigns.
Trump Weighs in on Mamdani vs. Cuomo Showdown
A NRCC spokesperson stated, “Dangerous Socialist Zohran Mamdani serves as the new face of the Democrat Party represented by Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen, Josh Riley, and Nellie Pou. Should Democrats have their way, his pro-criminal, anti-law enforcement, and antisemitic agenda would dominate the country.”
In contrast, Suozzi, representing a district adjacent to New York City in suburban Long Island while also having a small portion of Queens, publicly expressed significant disagreement with elements of Mamdani’s proposals.
Gillen, who serves a neighboring suburban district, called Mamdani “too extreme” to oversee the nation’s largest city.
Riley, whose district primarily encompasses suburban and rural areas north of New York City, has faced criticism from the NRCC for his silence regarding Mamdani.
The NRCC also included Pou in its criticisms, implying she has not adequately denounced Mamdani’s views.
Democrats, meanwhile, express skepticism about the effectiveness of the Republican campaign.
They point out the considerable difference between the overwhelmingly Democratic voter base in New York City—where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans six to one—and pivotal battleground states and swing districts across the nation’s suburbs and beyond.
Democratic Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee commented shortly after Mamdani’s primary win, stating, “I have great affection for New York, but it’s an exceptionally liberal city. I’m not sure you can extrapolate that to other regions.”
In a noteworthy example, during the upcoming 2026 race to replace retired Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Republican candidate and former Senator Scott Brown released a digital advertisement that juxtaposes Representative Chris Pappas, the Democratic contender, beside images of Mamdani and the progressive icon Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Mamdani.
Pappas discussed his experiences with Fox News Digital last week, stating, “Republicans have invested tens of millions of dollars to run attack ads against me over the years, attempting to portray me in a false light.”
He continued, “People recognize me for who I am. They appreciate the work I’ve done and see me as one of the most bipartisan members of the House, dedicated to solving problems and achieving results. I am a proud New Hampshire Democrat with a solid track record in Congress.”
