New York State Senate District 12

Aber Kawas, a socialist candidate supported by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, faces criticism for past comments suggesting America deserved the 9/11 attacks due to systemic issues like capitalism and racism. Kawas, the Democratic nominee for New York State Senate District 12, defended her remarks as addressing Muslim scapegoating and emphasized her focus on Gaza liberation. Her father, a Jordanian national, was deported after a fraud conviction.

Aber Kawas, a socialist primary winner backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, faces criticism over a 2017 podcast comment implying America deserved the 9/11 attacks. Kawas, a Palestinian-American and Muslim community activist, won the Democratic nomination for New York State Senate District 12, emphasizing Gaza and anti-bigotry themes in her campaign.