A recent controversy has emerged in New York City involving La Jornada, a nonprofit organization, allegedly advising a supposed noncitizen on how to illegally vote in the mayoral election that saw Zohran Mamdani elected. Video footage released by O’Keefe Media Group (OMG) shows an undercover journalist posing as an unregistered immigrant, asking La Jornada’s director, Pedro Rodriguez, for guidance on participating in the election. In the recording, Rodriguez reportedly explained ways the individual could navigate the voting system despite not being a U.S. citizen and hinted at a candidate to support, saying to vote for “the guy that starts with ‘M.’” Voting as a noncitizen is illegal in New York, although verification systems are known to have gaps. When confronted about the footage, Rodriguez denied instructing anyone to vote for Mamdani, despite the apparent evidence in the recording.
The incident has raised questions about election integrity and the involvement of nonprofit organizations in political activity. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, La Jornada is legally prohibited from endorsing candidates or engaging in partisan political advocacy. While the organization describes its mission as assisting migrants with paperwork and legal services, this footage suggests a potential violation of federal and state election laws. The controversy underscores broader concerns regarding how nonprofits, especially those serving vulnerable populations, interact with electoral politics and whether their actions could unintentionally or deliberately influence election outcomes.
Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), won the election in a historic victory, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani has longstanding ties to the DSA, which publicly lists him among nine “New York State Socialists in Office.” During his campaign, the New York City chapter of the DSA reportedly helped frame his candidacy as moderate, emphasizing practical municipal reforms while downplaying the organization’s more radical platform. Internal documents from the DSA indicate plans to influence city policy once Mamdani takes office, including advancing positions on issues such as international policy that reflect the group’s broader ideological goals.
The La Jornada controversy intertwines with these dynamics, raising questions about the relationship between activist organizations and electoral processes. Critics argue that the footage exemplifies the risks of activist groups stepping into areas where legal and ethical boundaries exist, potentially undermining public trust in elections. The case also highlights the challenges of ensuring election security in a city as large and diverse as New York, where nonprofits often provide critical support to immigrant communities yet must carefully navigate legal restrictions on political activity.
Supporters of Mamdani note that there is no evidence he personally encouraged or directed any illegal activity. They emphasize his progressive platform, including initiatives on affordable housing, free public transportation, and social equity, and view the La Jornada footage as an isolated incident rather than a reflection of his governance. Nevertheless, the timing and context of the video have fueled public debate about the influence of grassroots organizations, the DSA, and other activist groups on elections, especially in close or highly symbolic races.
The controversy also illuminates a larger conversation about transparency and accountability in civic engagement. Nonprofits play an essential role in assisting marginalized communities, including immigrants, but the boundaries between educational outreach and political advocacy can be blurry. Legal experts suggest that any guidance provided by organizations regarding voting eligibility must be carefully monitored to avoid inadvertent violations of election law.
Ultimately, the La Jornada footage, coupled with Mamdani’s rise as New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, reflects ongoing tensions between progressive grassroots movements and established electoral frameworks. While Mamdani’s election marks a generational and cultural milestone, the surrounding scrutiny underscores the importance of legal compliance, organizational accountability, and clear ethical standards in civic engagement. The incident serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned efforts to empower communities must operate within the law, particularly in the high-stakes context of municipal elections.
