NEW YORK — Mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani released an Arabic-language campaign ad on social media ahead of Tuesday’s election.
In the video, Mr. Mamdani introduces himself and says he may look “your brother-in-law from Damascus,” but that his “Arabic needs some work.”
He goes on to say, “Still, I would love to ask for your support on November 4. Life in New York has become expensive for all.”
He then stops to pet a bodega cat and promises to freeze rent for over two million city residents, make buses free and fast, and deliver universal child care to all families in his efforts to make the city easier to live in and raise children.
“And while I probably won’t convince your uncle that the Nabulski knaffeh in Steinway is better than New Jersey’s, I promise I will fight with my strength to make it easier to open your small business, pay your rent and build your future in New York,” he says.
“I’m from you, and for you,” he concludes.
He is then seen laughing with women in hijabs.
Mr. Mamdani, 34, who is poised to be elected the first Muslim mayor of New York City, also released a campaign ad last month that featured four female rabbis, including one who is transgender, lauding the Queens assemblyman.
The ad was cosponsored by the group Jews for Racial & Economic Justice.
“We know Zohran will fight to make our city affordable and safe for families,” said the transgender rabbi, identified as Abby Stein.
Ms. Stein, an Israeli native, was aligned with New York’s ultra-orthodox Jewish community before coming out as transgender in 2015.
