Story perspectives

Mayor Calls AIPAC ‘Monsters,’ Endorses Sanders Slate; Jeffries Warns Division

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani called American Israel Public Affairs Committee “monsters” for spending millions to sway June 23 primaries.
On June 20, Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders rallied to endorse Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Claire Valdez for the 10th, 13th, and 7th districts.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned slate could deepen party divisions and risk seats, while Republicans say Mamdani’s socialist brand may hurt Democrats in swing districts.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 AIPAC spent $2 million on TV and mail ads in swing districts, a tactic that helped shape that election, as the lobby’s targeting grew from loosely organized gifts to coordinated campaigns. Decades later, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders denounced similar spending before the June 23 primaries, echoing growing progressive pushback against the Israel lobby’s influence.

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Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani called American Israel Public Affairs Committee “monsters” for spending millions to sway June 23 primaries.
On June 20, Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders rallied to endorse Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Claire Valdez for the 10th, 13th, and 7th districts.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned slate could deepen party divisions and risk seats, while Republicans say Mamdani’s socialist brand may hurt Democrats in swing districts.

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