Something unusual is unfolding at a startling pace in political circles stretching from Washington to New York — and it’s happening well before a single vote is tallied.
Behind closed doors, Republican lawmakers are quietly mapping out a plan to block Zohran Mamdani from taking office, even if he wins next week’s mayoral election. These conversations have drifted far beyond standard campaign maneuvering.
Some Republicans are openly considering invoking one of the Constitution’s harshest Reconstruction-era provisions — a clause born from the Civil War and rarely discussed outside moments of national turmoil. The urgency and secrecy surrounding the effort suggest that party leaders believe far more is at stake than a local political contest.
According to individuals familiar with the discussions, House Republicans are examining whether the Constitution’s “insurrection clause” — Section 3 of the 14th Amendment — could be used to prevent Mamdani from assuming office.
The idea gained public traction after being floated by the New York Post and is being championed in part by the New York Young Republican Club. Members of the group argue that Mamdani’s past statements urging resistance to ICE and his associations with certain activist groups could be interpreted as offering “aid or comfort” to U.S. adversaries — language lifted directly from the amendment.
Adopted in 1868, Section 3 bars individuals who engaged in rebellion or supported enemies of the United States from serving in public office. Its original purpose was to keep ex-Confederates out of power, but it has resurfaced in recent legal fights over modern political figures.
“There is an active and serious push to ensure Mamdani is disqualified either before or after the election,” said Stefano Forte, head of the New York Young Republican Club.
GOP lawmakers are reportedly exploring whether Congress could enforce the clause through legislation or a post-election declaration.
Their approach echoes arguments raised in Colorado’s attempt last year to remove former President Donald Trump from the state ballot. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that states cannot enforce Section 3 — a decision Republicans now interpret as placing the responsibility solely with Congress. With a narrow 219–213 House majority, some within the party see an opportunity, though any attempt would face significant resistance in the Democratic-controlled Senate and almost guaranteed legal challenges.
Simultaneously, several Republicans are pressing the Justice Department to scrutinize Mamdani’s naturalization process. They contend — again, based on their interpretation — that some of his public positions may conflict with the obligations outlined in his oath of allegiance.
Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi asking for an inquiry into what he calls “statements inconsistent with the oath.” Ogles referenced Mamdani’s 2018 citizenship ceremony and claimed, without evidence, that he has embraced rhetoric hostile to American values. He repeated similar assertions on social media.
In his letter, Ogles described Mamdani’s activism as a “pattern of behavior incompatible with the oath of allegiance” and suggested the Justice Department consider whether denaturalization proceedings might apply. He highlighted laws that bar naturalized citizens from affiliating with certain political organizations.
Rep. Randy Fine of Florida joined the criticism, accusing Mamdani of omitting details on his citizenship forms, including ties to the Democratic Socialists of America and past comments he made regarding the “Holy Land Five,” a group convicted in a 2008 terrorism-financing case.
“New York City is about to elect a communist,” Fine posted online.
Mamdani, a current New York State Assembly member representing Astoria, dismissed the allegations as political theater.
“Republican officials can call me a Communist a thousand times — it still won’t make it true,” Mamdani said in an interview last week.
A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed receipt of Ogles’ letter but noted that responses to congressional inquiries are delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown. She added that the department does not comment on pending or potential investigations.
Conclusion
The push to block Zohran Mamdani’s potential mayoralty has escalated into an unprecedented struggle over constitutional interpretation, political power, and the boundaries of congressional authority. Supporters cast their efforts as a defense of national loyalty; critics argue it is a profound misuse of post–Civil War law deployed to undermine an opponent.
With Republicans weighing a possible Section 3 vote, pressing for federal investigations, and preparing for a legal showdown, Mamdani’s candidacy has become a symbol of a much larger fight — one over identity, ideology, and who gets to determine the limits of American political participation. As election day approaches, the stakes continue to rise, and the conflict is poised to intensify long after the ballots are counted.