Sarsour has been instrumental in Mamdani's political ascent, supporting his campaigns since 2017, including his successful New York State Assembly bid and current mayoral run. Both are affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and have faced backlash for involvement in anti-Israel protests, often policed by the NYPD's Strategic Response Group (SRG), the unit Mamdani has vowed to dismantle.
Established in 2015, the SRG handles terrorism threats, violent protests, and riots, and has been active at pro-Palestinian demonstrations following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Mamdani, 34, reiterated his commitment in a podcast, stating, "Everyone will follow my lead, I’ll be the mayor." He plans to retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, but only if she complies with his orders.
Sarsour warned that failure to act could prompt backlash: "If Tisch doesn’t do what the mayor says, that’s when we’re going to have to go to Zohran and be like, ‘You definitely made the wrong decision here.’"
Linked to networks like MPower Action, a coalition of over 110 left-wing and Muslim-American groups aiming to elect New York City's first Muslim mayor, Sarsour highlighted tensions within Mamdani's support base. She addressed criticisms of blending secular socialism with Islamist elements, quipping, "You can’t be a Marxist and a jihadist and an Islamist and a fundamental Muslim all at the same time. You gotta pick a side."
Sarsour downplayed claims that Mamdani's campaign centers on religious identity, noting, "Our candidate is out there and just happens to be a Muslim. None of the campaign was ever like ‘Free Palestine.’ It just happens to be part of who Zohran is."
Reaffirming her outsider role, Sarsour urged supporters to remain vigilant post-inauguration: "When Zohran gets inaugurated in January, we have to be the people outside." She concluded with "Inshallah" (God willing), envisioning "a new type of politics."
