Mamdani Endorses Kawas in Queens Assembly Race Amid Lobbying Debate

Zohran Mamdani, the recently elected mayor of New York City, has publicly endorsed Aber Kawas, a Palestinian American activist, in the upcoming Assembly race in Queens. This endorsement signals a significant political move just weeks after Mamdani’s own victory on November 4, 2023. Kawas’s candidacy has sparked discussions regarding the influence of the Israeli lobby, a key issue highlighted by her political adviser during a meeting of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) last week.

Mamdani’s support for Kawas comes as current Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas vacates her seat to pursue a state Senate position in the summer primary elections. Gonzalez-Rojas, a DSA member whose district includes Jackson Heights, has endorsed her chief of staff, Brian Romero, as her successor. The political landscape in the district is shifting, and Mamdani’s backing of Kawas puts him at odds with Romero’s supporters.

During the DSA Electoral Working Group meeting held at Manhattan’s Church of the Village, Romero’s supporters argued he is well-qualified for the position due to his established connections in the district, including fluency in Spanish. Multiple sources present at the meeting noted that Romero has worked on local issues for years and is deeply rooted in the community.

In contrast, Kawas, who only moved to the district last year after obtaining a master’s degree in Islamic Liberation Theology from a South African university, has faced scrutiny regarding her suitability for the role. Despite this, her supporters believe her background and the ongoing conflict in Gaza position her as a crucial candidate. Joe Stanton, a political adviser to Kawas, emphasized the importance of having a Palestinian Arab in the race, stating, “We have to actually run a Palestinian Arab in this race because we need to draw the fire of the Israeli lobby, and we have to beat them.”

Mamdani’s endorsement has added momentum to Kawas’s campaign. Sam McCann, a senior adviser on Mamdani’s transition team, indicated that the mayor-elect expressed respect for all candidates but is committed to supporting Kawas. Following Mamdani’s comments, the DSA’s Electoral Working Group voted overwhelmingly in favor of Kawas, with a margin of 69% to 18%. The endorsement is a preliminary step, requiring approval from the DSA’s Queens chapter and main leadership committee for it to be finalized.

Romero has confirmed his intention to run regardless of the DSA’s endorsement. He stated, “While I am a DSA member and support the platform of the organization, I am accountable to many community partners and stakeholders in this district.” Romero, who has served the community for nearly five years, emphasized his commitment to representing diverse interests, including those of Latino and immigrant rights.

A spokesperson for Mamdani, who is set to be sworn in as mayor on January 1, 2024, did not provide additional comments regarding the endorsement. A source close to Romero expressed disappointment over the lack of prior notice about Mamdani’s decision to back Kawas.

As the DSA’s highest-profile elected official in New York, Mamdani’s influence over local elections is expected to be substantial. His endorsement could significantly impact the outcome of the Assembly race and potentially other state-level elections.

Mamdani’s engagement in the Queens Assembly race contrasts with his reported efforts to dissuade left-wing Brooklyn Councilman Chi Osse from launching a primary challenge against Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, a prominent Democratic figure in Congress. He argued that such a challenge could disrupt the unity between progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic Party as he prepares to take office.