NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani Accuses Cuomo Donors of Islamophobia in Campaign Ad

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has accused SuperPAC donors supporting frontrunner Andrew Cuomo of altering his image in a campaign mailer, darkening and lengthening his beard, which Mamdani calls an act of "blatant Islamophobia." The mailer, aimed at Jewish voters, also accused Mamdani of rejecting Israel as a Jewish state, reflecting his critical stance on Israel's war in Gaza. Mamdani linked this manipulation to the racism he alleges is behind the support Cuomo receives from MAGA billionaires. Cuomo and his SuperPAC denied releasing the altered mailer, stating it was rejected before production. The mayoral race has been contentious, with Mamdani sharply criticizing Cuomo over his sexual harassment allegations, nursing home scandal, and political record during a recent debate. The campaign has become a focal point for the future direction of the Democratic Party, with polls indicating a tightening race between the two candidates.