Republicans Brand Democrats with 'Comrade' Label Using Mamdani’s NYC Win

In a political maneuver straight out of a chess grandmaster’s playbook, Republicans are seizing the opportunity to weaponize the unexpected rise of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, using his stunning mayoral primary victory in New York City as a battering ram against Democrats nationwide. Mamdani’s triumph in the nation’s largest city has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, and the GOP is not letting this moment slip through their fingers.

From the battlegrounds of New Hampshire to the swing states gearing up for the 2026 midterms, Republicans are working overtime to tie Democratic candidates to Mamdani’s progressive agenda. Take the high-stakes race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire, where Republican candidate and former Sen. Scott Brown has unleashed a digital ad campaign dubbing Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas as "Comrade Chris." The ad cleverly—or viciously, depending on your perspective—juxtaposes Pappas with images of Mamdani and progressive icon Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed the NYC mayoral hopeful.

Pappas, undeterred while campaigning in Gilsum, N.H., pushed back against the smear, emphasizing his bipartisan credentials. "I’m a New Hampshire Democrat," he declared, highlighting his track record of problem-solving in Congress. Supported by Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who joined him on the trail, Pappas dismissed the GOP’s attempts to paint him as an extremist, with Klobuchar noting that such tactics are becoming a predictable playbook across the country.

Meanwhile, Mamdani’s bold policy proposals—like fare-free buses, tuition-free CUNY, rent freezes, and government-run grocery stores—have handed Republicans a treasure trove of ammunition. Add to that viral moments, such as a 2020 photo of Mamdani gesturing disrespectfully at a Christopher Columbus statue and his outspoken critiques of capitalism, and it’s no wonder the GOP is salivating. Even former President Donald Trump has jumped into the fray, repeatedly branding Mamdani a "communist" since his victory two weeks ago.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and National Republican Senatorial Campaign (NRSC) wasted no time, linking vulnerable Democrats like Pappas to Mamdani’s leftward tilt. NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella didn’t mince words, claiming that every House Democrat in a tight race will now have to "own" Mamdani’s ideology. Veteran GOP strategist Colin Reed called it a "messaging nightmare" for Democrats, predicting it will haunt them through the midterms.

Yet, Democrats are pushing back, questioning the GOP’s strategy. They argue there’s a vast difference between ultra-liberal New York City and the battleground states where elections are won and lost. Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee shrugged off the comparisons, noting NYC’s unique political DNA, while Pappas’ campaign team insisted local voters see through these attacks. Still, with Mamdani’s democratic socialist label under intense scrutiny, as political scientist Wayne Lesperance pointed out, the absence of party leadership rushing to his defense speaks volumes.

As this political tug-of-war unfolds, one thing is clear: Mamdani’s rise has reshaped the narrative, giving Republicans a shiny new target and leaving Democrats scrambling to redefine their image. The question remains—will this strategy stick, or will voters see it as just another election-year stunt?