NRCC campaign ad trolls Mamdani as Democrats’ ‘socialist boss’

A new ad from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) paints New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as a “socialist boss” of the Democratic Party, releasing the 30-second spot the same day House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) endorsed his home city nominee.

“Together, we can raise taxes, defund the police, and build a socialist New York,” the ad reads. It also features a picture of the hammer and sickle, symbols traditionally associated with communism. 

The ad is set to air in 12 congressional districts in New York and seven districts in New Jersey, with the Democratic candidates in each district pictured alongside Mamdani.

Incumbents who will be targeted include Reps. Nellie Pou (N.J.), Tom Suozzi (N.Y.), Laura Gillen (N.Y.), Josh Riley (N.Y.) and John Mannion (N.Y.). Challengers include Rebecca Bennett (N.J.), Megan O’Rourke (N.J.), Michael Roth (N.J.), Tina Shah (N.J.), Brian Varela (N.J.), Greg Vartan (N.J.), John Cappello (N.Y.), Peter Chatzky (N.Y.), Effie Phillips-Staley (N.Y.), Jessica Reinmann (N.Y.), Mike Sacks (N.Y.), John Sullivan (N.Y.), and Pat Ryan (N.Y.).

“Every single one of them owns the socialist agenda and is a willing accomplice in their party’s own collapse,” NRCC spokesperson Maureen O’Toole said in a statement. 

Republicans have railed against Mamdani, a democratic socialist, for his proposals such as introducing free child care, freezing rent, and piloting a program for city-run grocery stores.

Jeffries said in his statement endorsing Mamdani, which came months after other leading Democrats issued theirs, that the mayoral candidate's attempts to drive down the cost of living would benefit all New Yorkers.

“Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy,” Jeffries said.

“In that spirit, I support him and the entire citywide Democratic ticket in the general election.”

The House minority leader, who represents Brooklyn, also noted he had “areas of principled disagreement” with Mamdani's campaign.

Mamdani, a state Assembly member, holds a wide lead over Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who launched an independent campaign after losing to Mamdani in the primary.