Socialist candidate Aber Kawas faces backlash over resurfaced 9/11 remarks from 2017 podcast
A Democratic primary winner in New York is facing intense scrutiny after video footage from 2017 emerged showing her making controversial statements about the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Aber Kawas, who secured the Democratic nomination for New York State Senate District 12, appeared to contextualize the attacks within what she described as systemic American issues during a podcast interview. The resurfaced comments have ignited debate about her views and qualifications as she prepares for the general election in November. Kawas, backed by socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, describes herself as a Palestinian-American and Muslim community activist.
Controversial statements from 2017 podcast surface online
The disputed remarks came during Kawas’s appearance on the Asian American Writers’ Association podcast in an episode titled “Islamophobia beyond 9/11 with Aber Kawas.” During the interview, she discussed what she characterized as interconnected systems of oppression. “The system of capitalism and racism and white supremacy… and Islamophobia, have all been used to colonize lands, to take resources from other people and so this is a long trajectory and we’re just seeing the manifestations of that continuation with 9/11,” she stated during the recorded conversation.
Kawas went further by comparing responses to the terrorist attack with historical injustices. She expressed frustration about what she viewed as unequal expectations placed on Muslim Americans. “The idea we have to apologize for a terror attack that a couple of people did and then there is no apology or reparations for genocides and for slavery… is something I find reprehensible,” she said during the same interview. The comments have been characterized by critics as downplaying the severity of the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.
Candidate defends remarks as taken out of context
In a November 2025 interview, Kawas addressed the controversy surrounding her earlier statements. She characterized the criticism as politically motivated attacks designed to distort her actual positions. “I’ve always been outspoken about the wrongful scapegoating of Muslim Americans, both before and after 9/11, and in this interview I was speaking about the harmful notion that Muslims should have to apologize for an act of violence they have nothing to do with,” Kawas explained when responding to questions about the resurfaced video.
The candidate dismissed the controversy as an Islamophobic smear campaign. She pointed to her primary election victory as evidence that voters in her district reject such criticism. “Our resounding victory this week shows that the people of Queens simply don’t buy into this kind of desperate, Islamophobic smear, and want leaders in office who aren’t afraid to call out bigotry, racism, and double standards,” she stated. Kawas defeated Democratic Assemblyman Steven Raga decisively in the primary race.
Campaign centered on Gaza and immigration issues
Throughout her campaign, Kawas made international and domestic justice issues central themes. Gaza featured prominently in her messaging to voters in western Queens. In her victory speech following the primary win, she declared that “another world is possible,” specifically stating that vision includes “a world where Gaza is free to live.” The daughter of illegal immigrants, Kawas has been open about her family’s immigration history and has used it as a campaign narrative.
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Her father, Abdelkareem Kawas, a Jordanian national, entered the United States on a tourist visa in 1989 and remained in the country illegally. He was later convicted of real estate fraud, served prison time, and was subsequently deported. Rather than distancing herself from this history, Kawas incorporated it into her campaign platform, portraying her father’s deportation as unjust persecution by immigration authorities. This personal story resonated with portions of her diverse constituency in Queens.
Political affiliations and path to Albany
Kawas has reportedly maintained affiliations with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an organization that some U.S. states and foreign countries have designated as a terrorist organization. These connections have added another layer of controversy to her candidacy. Like her prominent supporter Zohran Mamdani, Kawas identifies as a socialist and has campaigned on progressive policy positions that align with the Democratic Socialists of America movement.
New York State Senate District 12, which encompasses western Queens including the Astoria neighborhood, is considered deeply Democratic territory. The district’s political composition makes Kawas heavily favored to win the general election in November. She competed for the seat being vacated by incumbent State Senator Michael Gianaris, who is stepping down at the end of his current term. Her commanding primary victory over Raga demonstrated strong support within the Democratic base.
National implications for progressive wing of Democratic Party
The controversy surrounding Kawas reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy positions and rhetoric about American history. Her candidacy represents part of a growing socialist caucus within state legislatures nationwide, particularly in urban areas. The alliance between Kawas and Mayor Mamdani signals an organized effort by the party’s left wing to gain influence in state-level governance.
Political analysts view her likely victory as indicative of shifting political dynamics in diverse urban districts. The fact that her controversial statements from 2017 did not prevent her primary victory suggests either limited awareness among voters or acceptance of her explanations. If elected in November, Kawas would join the New York State Senate in January 2026, bringing her activist background and progressive policy priorities to Albany. Her victory would add to the growing number of self-identified socialists holding elected office in New York state government.
