A political ripple crossed the Atlantic this weekend as Jeremy Corbyn, the former UK Labour leader ousted from his party amidst accusations of antisemitism, actively campaigned for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The involvement came just days before polls opened, injecting a controversial element into a closely watched race.
Mamdani, a progressive challenger aiming to unseat the Democratic establishment, shares ideological ground with Corbyn and the Democratic Socialists of America. Like Corbyn, he has faced scrutiny and accusations of antisemitism, fueled by his outspoken criticism of Israeli military actions and alignment with the DSA.
Corbyn publicly endorsed Mamdani on Facebook, posting a photograph of himself proudly displaying a “North London 4 Zohran” shirt. His message urged supporters to push Mamdani “over the finish line” for a more affordable New York, a call to action that immediately sparked online debate and criticism.
Beyond the social media endorsement, Corbyn actively participated in get-out-the-vote efforts, sharing a link to a phone-banking campaign organized by the DSA’s New York City chapter. The campaign explicitly highlighted the collaboration, inviting volunteers to join Corbyn in mobilizing voters for Mamdani.
Corbyn’s history with antisemitism allegations stretches back to 2020, when the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission found that the Labour Party under his leadership had engaged in unlawful discrimination against Jewish members. This finding ultimately led to his suspension and subsequent expulsion from the Labour Party in 2024.
Despite the expulsion, Corbyn maintains his innocence and has since launched a new left-wing political party. He continues to vehemently deny all accusations of antisemitism, framing them as politically motivated attacks.
The collaboration swiftly drew condemnation from former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who publicly criticized Mamdani’s acceptance of Corbyn’s support. Cuomo argued that Corbyn’s involvement, given his party’s history of antisemitism, represented a dangerous “politics of moral compromise.”
Adding to the controversy, a campaign finance watchdog group, the Coolidge Reagan Foundation, filed criminal referrals against Mamdani just a week before the election. The allegations center on claims of illegal contributions received from foreign donors, further complicating the candidate’s position.
The Mamdani campaign insists that any issues regarding campaign finance have been fully addressed. As the election nears, the shadow of Corbyn’s involvement and the financial allegations loom large, potentially reshaping the narrative of the mayoral race.
