Zehraan Mamdani Courts Arab-American Voters in New York with Arabic and Humor
In a move that’s capturing attention, Democratic candidate Zehraan Mamdani is reaching out to New York’s Arab-American community in a unique way. The candidate, who represents Queens in the state legislature, recently released a video where he addressed voters in Arabic, using the familiar Shami dialect. The video, which has gained significant traction, shows Mamdani’s efforts to connect with voters on a personal level. He even joked about his Arabic skills needing some “work.”
A Message of Hope and Promises
Mamdani’s message to the Arab community is clear: he seeks their support in the upcoming elections, scheduled for the fourth of November. His platform directly addresses the challenges faced by families in New York, where the cost of living and raising children has become increasingly difficult. He’s promising to freeze rents for over two million residents, make public transportation free, and ensure childcare for all families.
The campaign isn’t all serious, though. Mamdani infused his message with humor, saying, “I may not be able to convince your uncle that the Nabulsi kunafa in Steinway is better than in New Jersey, but I promise to work to make it easier to open your small businesses.”
The Stakes of the Election
New Yorkers will head to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new mayor. The election has drawn widespread attention, even beyond the borders of the United States. President Donald Trump has labeled Mamdani as a communist, adding another layer to the already heated campaign. Mamdani is currently leading the race, ahead of former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing in his party’s primary to Mamdani. The campaign has seen an unexpected surge, fueled by the efforts of young New Yorkers, with the campaign reporting that 90,000 people have volunteered.
This election highlights the growing influence of the Arab-American community in New York politics, and the strategies candidates are using to engage with this important demographic.
Source: Annahar
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