NEW YORK, 27 June 2025 – A group of Muslim American members of Congress, including Representatives Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), André Carson (IN-07), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12), issued a joint statement on Friday condemning what they describe as “vile, anti-Muslim, and racist smears” targeting Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate.
The lawmakers warned that such attacks, coming from colleagues across the political spectrum, cannot be met with silence.
The statement highlights a troubling rise in Islamophobic and racist rhetoric in U.S. politics, which the representatives say has become normalized.
“These hateful, Islamophobic, and racist tropes have become so entrenched,” they wrote, noting the increased violence against elected officials. They specifically criticized the ongoing attacks on Mamdani, arguing they fuel dehumanization and violence against Muslim Americans.
The lawmakers called for a unified rejection of anti-Muslim hate and fearmongering, urging elected leaders nationwide to speak out. Mamdani, who recently won a primary race and could become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, has faced heightened scrutiny and threats, a situation the representatives linked to broader patterns of discrimination.
The statement comes amid growing tensions, with Mamdani’s campaign drawing both support and backlash. The congresswomen and men emphasized the need to protect democratic discourse from hate, vowing to stand against the rising tide of targeted attacks.