New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing scrutiny and serious concern over his circle of radical advisors. While Mamdani attempts to brush off accusations of extremism, his “brain trust” includes activists tied to socialist groups, anti-Israel rhetoric, and George Soros–funded organizations.
Among his closest advisors is Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, who has openly advocated for taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants. Awawdeh posted on X in 2022, “SEEKING ASYLUM AT THE BORDER IS A LEGAL RIGHT… THE U.S. HAS A LEGAL OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE REFUGE.” His group has accepted funding from the Soros-backed Vera Institute for Justice and $175,000 from the broader Soros network.
Another figure tied to Mamdani is Patrick Gaspard, a longtime Soros ally and former Obama advisor. Gaspard previously praised Soros as “one of our leading defenders of inclusive and accountable democracy and vibrant civil society.” He also defended Soros against criticism for pouring millions into campaigns of left-wing prosecutors who have been soft on crime.
Housing advocate Cea Weaver, a Democratic Socialists of America member advising Mamdani on housing policy, has openly posted, “Elect more Communists,” and, “Seize private property.” Meanwhile, activist Faiza Ali, formerly with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, maintains ties to anti-Israel activist Linda Sarsour, who once called for “jihad” against President Trump.
Even Mamdani’s senior advisor, Morris Katz, has criticized Israel while amplifying Mamdani’s own claim that Democrats backing a ceasefire were “rightfully outraged over Israel’s killing of over 40,000 Palestinians.” With such radical advisors, Mamdani’s attempts to dismiss concerns about his extremism continue to appear hollow.
