What’s True—and What Isn’t—About the Whispers Surrounding Zohran Mamdani?

Ever stop to wonder if New York City’s next mayor is more likely to spark political bedlam or just quietly conquer the daily Wordle like the rest of us? Well, after Tuesday night’s historic election, Zohran Mamdani—Democratic socialist, first Muslim ever to snag the city’s top gig, and (if wild rumors are believed) possibly the only living hybrid of Bill de Blasio and Ed Koch—has already become the stuff of internet legend. My inbox is groaning with “Did you hear…?” messages—everything from chilling prophecies about abolishing the NYPD to Hot Takes regarding Sharia law… and my personal favorite, the notion that someone over 30 actually found love on Hinge. Should you buy into all the noise? Or is it time to face the truly terrifying prospect: climate change will get us all before politics does? Strap in, because The Onion is here, gleefully armed with a magnifying glass—and just a dash of existential dread—to fact-check every last absurd thing you’ve heard about Mamdani. Curious if your uncle’s conspiracy theories hold water? Me too—sort of . LEARN MORE

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani made history Tuesday night when he was elected the first Muslim mayor of New York City. The Onion fact-checks the claims being made about Mamdani.

Claim: Mamdani is a nepo baby.

True: Mamdani is the eldest son of Bill de Blasio and Ed Koch.

Claim: Mamdani will destroy New York City.

False: Rapidly rising sea levels will destroy New York City.

Claim: Mamdani is a communist.

False: Any real communist will happily spend six hours explaining why this isn’t true.

Claim: Mamdani adheres to an extremist interpretation of Sharia law.

False: Mamdani remains honor-bound to the ancient samurai code of Bushidō.

Claim: My uncle says Mamdani will abolish the entire NYPD.

True: Your uncle does say that.

Claim: Mamdani met his wife on Hinge.

True: But it won’t happen to you.