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New York Democratic Representative Dan Goldman said that he is "very concerned" with some of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's rhetoric and sidestepped endorsing him on Tuesday. Newsweek reached out to Mamdani's campaign via email for comment. Why It Matters Mamdani's past and present comments have intensified debate within the Democratic Party and among Jewish communities as Election Day approaches. The phrase “globalize the intifada,” which Mamdani has been criticized for not denouncing in the past, underscores a larger national discussion about antisemitism, public safety, and political leadership in the United States. These concerns carry weight in New York—home to the country’s largest Jewish population—potentially setting precedents for political discourse in other U.S. cities. The controversy also tests how minority candidates and progressive politicians navigate rising antisemitism and Islamophobia, as well as intra-party divisions on foreign policy. What To Know While speaking with CNN's Kasie Hunt on Tuesday, Goldman was asked if he was ready to endorse Mamdani for mayor. "You know, I've had conversations with him, I'm not ready to endorse him," he said. "I don't know what I'm going to do, to be honest," Goldman said when asked if he was going to vote for Mamdani. He answered similarly when asked if he plans to vote for Cuomo, "I don't know; honestly, I haven't gotten to that point. I have been trying to work through these issues. You know, I am a Democrat at heart and I believe in the Democratic Party." Goldman continued: "I am very concerned about some of the rhetoric coming from Zohran Mamdani, and I can tell you as a Jew in New York, who was in Israel on October 7, I and many other people are legitimately scared because there has been violence in the name of anti-Israel and anti-Zionism. And I've asked him to speak out on that and to condemn that and I frankly haven't really seen him do much on that." "And I believe," Goldman added, "that you know for my personal reasons and as well as my professional reasons as a representative of New York City, that it is my duty to make sure that everybody, including the Jewish community, feel safe here, and many in the Jewish community do not feel safe right now. And I hope that Mr. Mamdani takes that to heart and takes some action to make the Jewish community understand that he will keep us safe and secure." During a televised debate on October 16, 2025, Mamdani was pressed by his opponents, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, regarding his past remarks and positions on Israel and Hamas. During the debate, Mamdani reiterated support for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza but drew criticism from Cuomo, who argued that Mamdani’s responses suggested a lack of clarity about Hamas and regarding Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. Mamdani responded in part, “I want to be very clear; the occupation is a reference to international law and the violation of it. Which Mr. Cuomo has no regard for since he signed up to be Benjamin Netanyahu’s legal defense team during the course of this genocide.” What People Are Saying Mamdani on X last week: "What I don't have in experience, I make up for in integrity. And what Andrew Cuomo lacks in integrity, he could never make up for with experience." Cuomo on X on Tuesday: "There is no New York without the Jewish community. It’s deeply alarming to see how many have grown complacent with a candidate whose views are blatantly antisemitic. But New Yorkers: we have the power to protect the values that make this city strong. This is one of the most crucial elections in our city’s history. EVERY single vote matters. Rally your friends, your families, and your communities: make sure they all show up and vote. Thank you @ElishaWiesel for the powerful and important conversation last night. #VoteforCuomo#SayNoToZo" What Happens Next With days remaining before New York City’s mayoral election on November 4, Mamdani continues to lead polls but faces relentless scrutiny from opponents, community leaders, and national figures. The final debate is scheduled for October 22. The outcome of the election may influence how political candidates navigate Middle East conflicts, antisemitism, and intra-party ideological divides, potentially shifting the landscape of Democratic politics nationwide.
