Many pastors in New York are rallying behind the city’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani — New York’s first Muslim mayor.
In a video shared by Mamdani last month, church leaders could be seen gathering around him in prayer.
“Last week, I received the endorsement of nearly a dozen Black clergy in Crown Heights, including Bishop Orlando Findlayter,” Mandani wrote. “I’m so grateful for their support and this very meaningful and humbling prayer from Pastor Leo Colon.”
In his prayer, Bishop Findlayter asked for prayers for Mamdani as he was inching toward the finish line.
“We are praying for this young man, whom You have chosen for such a time as this,” Findlayter said. “Strengthen him, please, God. Guide him. Imbue him with wisdom. Give him the ability to know what is right for this season.”
The moment reflects Mamdani’s campaign efforts over the last few weeks of uniting New York’s diverse faith communities. As Religious News reported, Mamdani has been seen attending Diwali celebrations in Queens, visiting Baptist churches in Harlem, and Sukkot observances throughout the boroughs.
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, emerita spiritual leader of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in Manhattan, reportedly called for Muslims and Jews to build a shared future in the city, while Imam Khalid Latif, a former Muslim chaplain of the New York Police Department, commended Mamdani on speaking out against Islamophobia.
But the prayers and praise from religious groups come as New York City remains divided on the new mayor. While Mamdani has won over many progressive Jewish voters with his proposals to make the city more equitable and affordable, many Jews are concerned about his criticism of Israel. Mamdani stated on the campaign trail that Israel’s military actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
Mamdani's comments echo the stance from the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, which ruled that Israel committed genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Mamdani will take office aged 34, the youngest mayor elected since 1892.
He will be sworn in on January 1, 2026.