By: Mario Mancini

Radical “Squad” Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is stepping into New York City’s mayoral race — using her platform to raise funds for a super PAC backing Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist state lawmaker known for his harsh anti-Israel positions.

The New York Post first reported that a text solicitation from Tlaib recently landed on the phones of New York donors, sent by the pro-Mamdani political group New Yorkers for Lower Costs. The group is trying to help Mamdani’s campaign remain competitive on the airwaves after he maxed out his eligibility under the city’s public matching funds program.

The message urged recipients to back Mamdani — praising his hunger strike for a Gaza cease-fire and attacking Democratic frontrunner Andrew Cuomo as a “billionaire-backed” opponent aligned with Israel.

“Zohran, who’s led hunger strikes for a cease-fire [in Gaza] and workers’ rights, isn’t raising any more money for his campaign under New York City’s public financing system,” Tlaib said in the text blast. “I’m supporting the official Zohran Mamdani support PAC — to run the ads Zohran can’t.”

Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, has been an unapologetic and vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause — often at odds with her own party. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and the House’s far-left “Squad,” which also includes Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and others. Known for incendiary statements against Israel and blood libel against Jews. Tlaib has repeatedly defended Hamas, accused Israel of genocide, and called for the destruction of the Jewish state.

Last year, she was formally censured by the House after promoting anti-Israel rhetoric in the wake of the October 7 Hamas massacre. She also refused to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for 2024, citing the Biden administration’s pro-Israel policies and calling the president an “enabler” of war crimes.

In the text, Tlaib blasted Cuomo as “on the legal team defending [Israeli Prime Minister] Netanyahu for war crimes in Gaza,” and claimed the former governor is “drowning out” Mamdani’s campaign with support from a multimillion-dollar PAC, Fix the City. That group has raised more than $4 million — compared to roughly $60,000 for Mamdani’s aligned PAC.

Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman and Democratic Socialist, has repeatedly aligned himself with anti-Israel rhetoric and supports the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement. He is currently polling second behind Cuomo in the Democratic primary for mayor.

Not everyone was happy to see Tlaib’s name pop up in their messages. A Jewish donor, speaking anonymously to The Post, said they were “appalled” by the solicitation.

The NY Post reported that Brooklyn Assemblyman Kalman Yeger, a vocal defender of Israel, said Tlaib’s involvement only confirms the extremist leanings of Mamdani’s base. “Unfortunately, in New York City, there are antisemites out there who would be receptive to her message,” Yeger said. “And Mamdani is the most antisemitic candidate New York has ever seen.”

Tlaib had already joined a Democratic Socialists of America organizing call for Mamdani last month, where she urged “comrades” to rally behind his campaign.

Her radical messaging has drawn heavy criticism from both Republicans and mainstream Democrats. She was slammed across party lines after displaying a sign in Congress calling Netanyahu a “war criminal” and accusing him of “genocide” during his U.S. address last year.

Tlaib’s controversial political record hasn’t stopped her from mobilizing her national platform to boost fellow ideologues like Mamdani — but it raises questions about whether voters will embrace a candidate backed by one of the most polarizing members of Congress.