KEEPING SCORE: Linda Sarsour Vows to Hold Zohran Mamdani to His Promises — Including Dismantling NYPD’s Anti-Terror Unit
As New York City braces for a historic mayoral election, the political landscape is being shaped not only by the candidates but by the grassroots movements and activists determined to hold them accountable. Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour, a prominent figure in progressive and Muslim advocacy circles, has issued a clear message to her followers—and to mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani: victory at the polls is just the beginning; the real test comes after the inauguration.
A Pledge of Accountability, Not Blind Loyalty
In a candid Instagram livestream, Sarsour laid out her vision for post-election activism. She emphasized that her support for Mamdani does not translate into unchecked loyalty or a position within his administration. “I just want you all to know I’m not going to work for the Zohran administration,” she declared. “I’m not going to work in City Hall, because, guess what? There gotta be people like me willing to stay outside.”
Sarsour’s stance is rooted in the belief that transformative change requires both insiders and outsiders. She explained, “Our friends on the inside need people on the outside to hold them accountable. To say, ‘We see you. We’re paying attention.’” This commitment reflects the ethos of the broader coalition backing Mamdani—a network of activists, labor unions, and community organizations who see themselves as watchdogs, not cheerleaders.
The Coalition Behind Mamdani
Sarsour’s political journey with Mamdani is longstanding. Both are affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America and have campaigned together for progressive candidates since 2017. Sarsour’s organization, MPower Action, is part of a coalition of more than 100 groups, including labor unions and South Asian advocacy organizations, working to elect New York City’s first Muslim mayor.
Despite Mamdani’s frequent references to his religious background, Sarsour rejected claims that his campaign is centered on identity politics. “Our candidate is out there and just happens to be a Muslim,” she clarified. “None of the campaign was ever like ‘Free Palestine’ or the Muslims are going to get extra rights. It just happens to be something that’s part of who Zohran is. But that’s actually not been his campaign.”
Policing, Protest, and Political Promises
One of Mamdani’s most controversial pledges is the dismantling of the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group (SRG), a unit tasked with policing terrorism threats, protests, and riots. The SRG has played a prominent role in responding to demonstrations, especially those related to Middle East conflicts, where both Sarsour and Mamdani have been active participants.
On the campaign trail, Mamdani said he would retain Jessica Tisch as police commissioner, but insisted she would be expected to follow his directives, including disbanding the SRG. “I think everyone will follow my lead. I’ll be the mayor,” Mamdani stated on a podcast. Sarsour echoed this sentiment, noting, “What’s most important is that in New York City, the police commissioner works for the mayor…if Zohran says to Tisch, ‘You gotta do A-B-C,’ Tisch gotta do what the mayor says.”
Still, Sarsour expressed reservations about Tisch’s retention, warning that she and her coalition will hold Mamdani accountable if his appointees fail to deliver on campaign promises. “Now, if she doesn’t do that and goes against the mayor, then that’s when we’re going to have to go to Zohran and be like, ‘You definitely made the wrong decision here. What are you going to do to hold your police commissioner accountable to the plan?’”
Navigating Ideological Alliances
Sarsour also addressed the complexities of Mamdani’s support base, which includes both progressive leftists and controversial religious leaders. She dismissed accusations that Mamdani is beholden to extremist ideologies, stating, “You can’t be a Marxist and a jihadist and an Islamist and a fundamental Muslim, or whatever they call him, all at the same time. You gotta pick a side. Either we’re theocrats or we’re leftists. Like these things don’t go together.”
The Role of Movements After Election Day
Sarsour’s message is clear: movements don’t end when the ballots are counted. “Voting for Zohran is not, ‘We’re going to vote for Zohran and just let him do whatever the hell he wants when he gets to City Hall.’ Our job as a movement is we have to hold whoever goes to City Hall accountable.”
She promised to remain physically outside City Hall if necessary, serving as a visible reminder to Mamdani and his administration that the people who propelled him to power expect results. “Zohran is going to have to tell his own critics that are on the other side to basically say, ‘Look out that window, those people outside, these constituents, these activists, these organizers that are outside, I’m accountable to them, because they’re the ones that helped me get there.’”
A New Era of Politics
Sarsour’s activism extends beyond New York, as she voiced support for other Muslim candidates in Minneapolis and Jersey City, signaling a broader push for representation and accountability in American politics. Invoking the Arabic phrase “Inshallah” (“God willing”), she expressed hope for a new kind of politics—one defined by engagement, transparency, and continuous oversight.
Conclusion
Linda Sarsour’s vow to hold Zohran Mamdani accountable if he wins the NYC mayoral race underscores a fundamental shift in political activism. In this new era, electoral victories are just the starting point. True change demands persistent, organized pressure from outside the halls of power. As New York City stands on the cusp of electing its first Muslim mayor, Sarsour and her coalition are ready to ensure that promises made become promises kept—proving that democracy is not just about winning, but about governing with integrity and accountability.
