New York | Shah J. Choudhury
In the final stretch of New York City’s mayoral race, internal divisions have surfaced within the influential Satmar Hasidic community.
One faction has announced support for former Governor Andrew Cuomo, while controversy erupted after a rabbi issued an “unauthorized” endorsement of progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani.
How It Started
On Sunday, Satmar Rabbi Moshe Indig unexpectedly declared his personal endorsement for Mamdani.
Shortly afterward, Satmar leaders said the statement was “completely unauthorized” and did not represent the community’s official position.
In response, three senior figures from the Satmar Ahronim faction — Cheskel Berkowitz, Avrum Brach, and Shulem Yitzchok Jacobowitz — released a joint statement declaring their group’s official support for Andrew Cuomo.
They expressed surprise over Rabbi Indig’s move, noting that “no member of the Satmar Board had approved such a decision.”
Political Context
The Satmar Hasidic community, particularly influential in Brooklyn, is one of the largest and most organized religious voting blocs in New York. Their collective voting patterns often play a decisive role in local elections.
Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat and sitting lawmaker, has faced criticism within some religious circles over his positions on Israel and Palestine.
Andrew Cuomo, meanwhile, has centered his campaign on stability, experience, and what he calls “proven leadership for New York.”
Reactions
Mamdani welcomed Rabbi Indig’s endorsement on social media, while Satmar leadership’s counterstatement created an awkward situation for his campaign.
Cuomo’s team quickly highlighted the endorsement as a major win, calling it “a significant show of support from one of the city’s most influential religious groups.”
Analysis
Analysts suggest that this split within the Satmar ranks signals more than an internal disagreement — it reflects a new alignment within New York’s religious vote bloc.
With Election Day arriving, the dispute may influence key voting pockets across Brooklyn and beyond.
