House Republicans are gearing up for a bold move in response to the looming possibility of Zohran Mamdani being sworn in as New York City’s mayor after a contentious election on Tuesday.
In an unprecedented effort, GOP lawmakers are exploring ways to challenge Mamdani’s eligibility for office by invoking the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment.
The New York Young Republican Club is leading the charge, pushing legislators to prevent Mamdani, a self-identified socialist, from taking office if he emerges victorious.
				
				
						
				Their assertion hinges on statements from Mamdani advocating resistance to federal immigration enforcement, which they argue could constitute "engaging in insurrection."
Stefano Forte, president of the New York Young Republicans, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "There is a real and legitimate push to see the insurrectionist Zohran Mamdani removed from the ballot or removed from office if he is to win on Tuesday."
This legal strategy echoes past attempts by Democrats to use the same constitutional clause against former President Donald Trump, which were thwarted by the Supreme Court's ruling affirming Congress's sole authority over such matters.
					
					While the feasibility of such legislation remains uncertain given the narrow Republican majority in the House, the looming election presents a significant political opportunity to frame Mamdani as emblematic of a radical left that Republicans aim to battle nationally.
Furthermore, there are calls for the Justice Department to investigate Mamdani's path to citizenship due to his alleged history of anti-American rhetoric, as highlighted by Georgia Congressman Andy Ogles.
Ogles has called for a review of Mamdani's naturalized status, citing possible discrepancies in his citizenship application related to his political affiliations and statements.
"In light of the integrity of our citizenship process, it is vital that we assess whether denaturalization proceedings are warranted," warned Ogles.
As the election nears, Democrats are faced with a challenging choice—either support a candidate who aligns with radical socialist ideals or risk alienating moderate voters.
The implications are significant; if Mamdani wins, he may be positioned as a national figurehead for the Democratic Party's left-wing, something that many conservatives, including Trump, are eager to exploit as they lay the groundwork for the next electoral battle.
Meanwhile, early voting in New York indicates a significant turnout, with over 735,000 ballots already cast, suggesting high engagement among younger voters.
However, the divide in political sentiment is clear, with many believing that a socialist administration could further erode the city’s economic stability and appeal.
With such high stakes, the emerging battle over Mamdani's potential mayoralty signals a critical juncture not just for New York City but for the broader ideological struggle facing the nation as it heads into next year’s elections.
Sources:
nypost.comnytimes.comdiscernmoney.com