Just two days after his historic victory in the New York City mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani headed to Puerto Rico to attend a high-profile liberal summit. During his visit, he made time for a stop at a local mosque.
The 34-year-old, who is set to become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, visited the Centro Islamico del Caribe-Masjid Ebadur Rahman in San Juan on Friday morning, where he joined the congregation in prayer.
In addition to engaging with the local Muslim community, Mamdani took part in distributing meals to those in need, all while participating in the annual Somos conference—a gathering known for drawing New York politicians and lobbyists for strategic discussions, workshops, and social events.
Despite the conference’s reputation for mixing serious political dialogue with relaxed networking in a sunny locale, Mamdani’s attendance drew criticism from some quarters.
Republican Congressman Mike Lawler criticized Mamdani for leaving the city so soon after his election victory, suggesting that his priorities might not align with the needs of working families.
“If Zohran Mamdani is truly committed to supporting working families, he wouldn’t be flying off to a luxury resort right after winning an election,” Lawler commented.
Mamdani’s schedule for his Puerto Rican weekend sees him as an invited guest at a cocktail reception held by indicted New York Attorney General and Donald Trump enemy Letitia James, Fox News reported.
Key Democrat leaders in the state like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Kathy Hochul were also scheduled to appear, despite the government shutdown in Washington continuing under Schumer and Jeffries’ leadership.
Zohran Mamdani jetted off to a luxury summit for prominent liberals in Puerto Rico just two days after winning New York City’s mayoral race and spent some time at a local mosque
The 34-year-old is the first Muslim mayor-elect of New York City and spent time in prayer at Centro Islamico del Caribe -Masjid Ebadur Rahman in San Juan early Friday
‘It’s a disgrace — and why New Yorkers are leaving this state in droves. I’m calling on every reporter covering SOMOS to demand answers from these Democrats,’ Lawler said.
A spokesperson for Schumer said, however, that the senator is in Washington with shutdown negotiations set to continue.
Jeffries was less charitable, adding that he did not attend the conference and slamming Lawler.
‘Mike Lawler is a liar, fraud and malignant clown. He was punked by Donald Trump into not running for governor and has been spiraling downward ever since.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to Mamdani and Hochul for comment.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and former Mayor Bill de Blasio both attended Somos after immediately winning elections in 2021 and 2013, respectively.
Fresh off his election win, Mamdani was greeted by a cheering beachfront crowd at the Somos conference, where he promised them he would fight for working people.
His Democratic ally, New York Attorney General Letitia James, exhorted the crowd to sing ‘Mamdani, whoa-oh-oh-oh’ along with her to the tune of old standard, ‘Volare.’
He also spent time speaking to members of the local Muslim community and helping distribute meals to the less fortunate as he was busy hobnobbing at the annual Somos conference
Mamdani was slammed by Republican Congressman Mike Lawler for immediately fleeing the city after his win to speak to party elites
The conference is something of a post-Election Day retreat for the state’s political movers and shakers at a Hilton hotel in San Juan.
This year, there are ballroom events billed as ‘Workforce Development Through Rising Communities’ and ‘Celebrating Human Services Together,’ along with a series of legislative workshops.
The whole affair is typically viewed as a chance to unwind, schmooze and party.
‘I´m happy to be here at Somos, and I´m happy also to be here because you cannot tell the story of New York City without telling the story of Puerto Rico,’ Mamdani said shortly after arriving.
He added that he had already tried the traditional plantain dish, mofongo, and that ‘it was great.’
Mamdani announced his transition team this week, hiring a group of veteran officials to help guide his shift to City Hall, as he plans to carry out an ambitious affordability agenda when he takes office next year.
Before landing in Puerto Rico, Mamdani spoke by phone with the city’s outgoing mayor, Eric Adams, who promised that his team ‘will fully cooperate with this transition,’ according to a spokesperson for Adams.
Adams did not attend the annual summit.
Mamdani, 34, announced his transition team this week, hiring a group of veteran officials to help guide his shift to City Hall, as he plans to carry out an ambitious affordability agenda when he takes office next year
The 34-year-old, a noted soccer fan, poses for a selfie with a child in a Real Madrid jersey
Mamdani is set to return to New York on Saturday after securing over 50 percent of the vote Tuesday, surpassing former Governor Andrew Cuomo at 41.6 percent and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa at 7.1 percent.
The race was packed with tense face-offs between Mamdani, Cuomo and Sliwa – as well as Adams, before he dropped out in September.
Mamdani has shrugged off criticism about his age and inexperience throughout his entire campaign.
After his overwhelming victory on Tuesday night, he listed the early pledges he intends to move on, including universal childcare, fast and free buses, and freezing rent hikes for tenants in rent-stabilized units.
His broader platform has stressed affordability measures such as a $30 minimum wage, additional affordable housing and higher taxes on the city’s wealthiest residents.
Mamdani’s team and supporters framed the final result as a mandate for affordability measures and a rejection of the attacks that marred the contest.
