Internal Strife Erupts Within NYC Democratic Socialists Over Mayor Mamdani
Factional disputes intensify within the NYC-DSA following the mayor's participation in an Oct. 7 vigil and his stance on NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is experiencing internal conflict, often described as a "civil war," stemming from Mayor Zohran Mamdani's actions and affiliations. The discord is particularly pronounced over his attendance at an Oct. 7 vigil and his public support for NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Youth chapters within the NYC-DSA have voiced strong dissent, endorsing a protest outside City Hall on the anniversary of Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. These groups condemned the mayor for what they perceive as a failure to uphold his commitment to the Palestinian Liberation Movement.
Sources indicate that the leadership of the local DSA chapter attempted to quell public criticism from these youth chapters. However, Mamdani faced further backlash, being heckled by protesters during a candlelit vigil for victims at Union Square. Chants of "Zohran you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide" were directed at the mayor.
Internal communications from NYC-DSA's "Anti-War Working Group," obtained by The Post, reveal significant anger among members. They expressed outrage after the group's leadership allegedly threatened to withdraw funding from youth chapters and instructed them to cease using "pro-hamas dogwhistles." Members described these leadership actions as "unambiguously racist" and "inexcusable."
One member of the Hunter College Youth DSA chapter, which had endorsed the City Hall rally, claimed that NYC-DSA leaders threatened the youth chapters' funding. This led to strong reactions within the group chat, with one member writing, "F—ing DISGUSTING," and another stating, "I’m out of things to say with this chapter’s leadership. It’s just nonstop horses–t."
Amidst this internal turmoil, Mayor Mamdani also faced accusations of complicity during a press conference regarding a recent shooting by federal agents of an alleged migrant in The Bronx. Despite Mamdani's strong anti-ICE remarks at the conference, protesters in the crowd continued to accuse him of complicity.
The NYC-DSA issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, calling for the removal of ICE from New York and an end to NYPD complicity with what they termed "terrorists." The group stated, "If the Commissioner can’t put a stop to these injustices, she must be fired," without directly calling for the mayor, who appointed Tisch, to take action.
DSA-NYC co-chairs Grace Mausser and Gustavo Gordillo have not responded to requests for comment. A spokesperson for City Hall confirmed that there are no plans to remove Commissioner Tisch from her position.