Mayor Zohran Mamdani jumped into the Thomas Jefferson Pool in East Harlem fully dressed in a business suit to kick off summer Saturday, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the city's Works Progress Administration-era outdoor pools. The event aimed to highlight expanded free swim programs and the historical legacy of the Olympic-sized facilities.
While swimming with children, Mamdani turned the celebration into a political moment by criticizing New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. He demanded an apology for remarks Blakeman made about Democratic Socialists of America-backed congressional candidate Brad Lander.
Blakeman had said in a recent interview that Lander "would be a camp guard in a concentration camp if he could." Mamdani defended Lander, calling him a "proud Jewish New Yorker" and labeling Blakeman's comments as unacceptable and unconscionable.
Mamdani added that comparing Lander to a Nazi prison guard was disgusting and indicative of a Republican Party seeking to dehumanize political opponents. He argued the remark reflected a broader pattern of hostility.
Blakeman responded later that day, questioning Mamdani's credibility and citing past actions such as not marching in the Israel Day Parade, describing AIPAC members as monsters, and canceling the Puerto Rican Day Breakfast. He labeled Mamdani a bigot, an antisemite, and anti-American.
Mamdani did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment on the exchange. The exchange highlights the heightened political tensions surrounding local elections.
