Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad NY Post? Zohran Mamdani
Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Declines Press Questions from The Post
Zohran Mamdani continues to avoid engaging with The New York Post’s news reporting, refusing to answer questions from our reporters on Monday. This stance appears to be a consistent campaign policy, despite limited public interaction with the media.
His reluctance raises questions about what he’s trying to hide.
While many candidates dismiss questions from columnists and editorial boards, Mamdani’s refusal to engage with the city’s primary news outlet — which has become the main source of local news in New York — is notable. The campaign only publicly disclosed his schedule once in recent months, after his return from Uganda in late July, and did not notify us about Monday’s event with Senator Liz Warren, although they confirmed it when asked.
Interestingly, his team seems to be more responsive on certain issues, as they provided a statement to our reporters regarding some inquiries on Monday. Still, Mamdani himself hasn’t spoken to us since June 20, prior to the primary election, at a press conference.
This kind of media silence echoes tactics once used by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who attempted to ban The Post from his press events due to unfavorable questions. Mamdani’s pattern suggests he may be taking a similar approach, perhaps believing questions from The Post are unhelpful or that addressing them could harm his campaign.
Despite his avoidance, Mamdani seems aware of our presence — he’s even referenced his proposed headlines in a previous interview, though most were dismissive, with one note jokingly stating “UGANDA MISS ME.”
His strategy might be based on the idea that media questions are a distraction, or he might simply be avoiding uncomfortable scrutiny. However, avoiding the press altogether is likely a costly mistake, as it undermines his ability to fully present his policies and connect with voters.
In the end, his unwillingness to be questioned could hinder his chances of winning the election, making it a concerning sign for his prospects as mayor and for New Yorkers who deserve transparency and accountability.