Linda Sarsour claims Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral campaign got $120,000 funds. [Photos: Reuters]
Activist and mentor Linda Sarsour has publicly claimed that Zohran Mamdani — a frontrunner in the New York City mayoral election — received significant campaign backing from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an organisation currently under congressional investigation for alleged ties to the militant group Hamas.
Sarsour named the CAIR-funded “Unity and Justice Fund PAC” as “the largest institutional donor to the pro-Zohran super PAC in New York.” Public campaign records show that the Unity and Justice Fund PAC contributed approximately $120,000 to a Lower Costs PAC supporting Mamdani.
Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour has claimed that New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani received indirect funding from organisations linked to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) — a group under congressional investigation for alleged connections to Hamas.
According to The New York Post and other media reports, Sarsour alleged that she and the “Hamas-linked nonprofit helped fuel Mamdani's rise.” She identified the CAIR-funded Unity and Justice Fund PAC as “the largest institutional donor to the pro-Zohran super PAC in New York.”
Public campaign records show that the Unity and Justice Fund PAC donated $120,000 to a political action committee supporting Mamdani. The claim has drawn widespread attention, coming just as preliminary results of the 2025 New York City Mayoral Election are due.
The allegation raises multiple questions: if CAIR is under investigation for receiving “seed money” from Hamas, as lawmakers say, then a candidate benefiting from this funding may face ethical and political questions.
In addition, Sarsour’s claim introduces potential pressure on Mamdani regarding accountability to his backers.
Mamdani defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary and is now a key contender for NYC mayor. He also faces independent and Republican challengers.
The funding claims arrive at a critical moment—just before the public votes—and could impact perceptions of Mamdani’s alliances and independence.
Beyond the headline of funding, Sarsour also positioned herself and her network as watchdogs. She stated, “When Zohran gets inaugurated in January, and as we move forward with this mayor, we have to be the people outside.”
This suggests that the story is not just about where the money came from — it’s also about who expects influence if the candidate wins. In other words, the question isn’t only who gave, but who might be entitled to be heard. That adds a governance angle to the funding story.
At this time, there is no public confirmation from Mamdani’s campaign that he accepted or directed the specific funds alleged. The campaign has not formally addressed Sarsour’s claims in depth. The candidate has also denied impropriety regarding campaign contributions in earlier coverage.
With voting underway and results nearing, the funding controversy could become part of broader political attacks and defence. Voters and watchdog groups may scrutinise further donations and the candidate’s commitments.
Analysts will watch whether this funding claim impacts election turnout, endorsements, or how Mamdani traces his campaign support sources.
