❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reviewing concerns about a campaign event involving the Democrats’ New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who participated in phone banking for Mamdani’s campaign.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Zohran Mamdani, Jeremy Corbyn, the Democratic Socialists of America, and the DOJ.
📍WHEN & WHERE: November 2, during a phone-banking event organized by the NYC Democratic Socialists of America.
💬KEY QUOTE: “I’m hosting a phone bank with [New York City Democratic Socialists of America] to Get Out The Vote for [Zohran Mamdani] today at 6 PM ET. Let’s get Zohran over the finish line for a New York that’s affordable for all!” – Jeremy Corbyn.
🎯IMPACT: The event has raised questions about the legality of foreign nationals participating in U.S. election campaigns, prompting a review by the DOJ.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reviewing concerns surrounding a campaign event that featured the Democrats’ New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Corbyn, still a Member of Parliament (MP) in Britain and the figurehead of the pro-Gaza ‘Your Party’ faction in the House of Commons, joined a phone-banking session on November 2 to encourage voters to support Mamdani ahead of the November 4 New York City mayoral election. The event was organized by the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America using the Action Network platform.
Corbyn publicly announced his participation on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing: “I’m hosting a phone bank with [New York City Democratic Socialists of America] to Get Out The Vote for [Zohran Mamdani] today at 6 PM ET. Let’s get Zohran over the finish line for a New York that’s affordable for all!”
The far-left Briton’s involvement has raised questions about U.S. election laws that restrict foreign nationals from participating in certain political campaign activities. Under federal law, foreign nationals are prohibited from contributing money or engaging in decision-making for campaigns. However, Federal Election Commission guidelines allow unpaid volunteer work in limited circumstances.
Legal experts say Corbyn’s participation likely does not violate federal law. Stu Smith of the Manhattan Institute wrote on X: “It’s technically legal under FEC rules as long as Corbyn isn’t compensated.” Still, Smith added that the event highlights how political groups such as the Democratic Socialists of America blur the line between domestic organizing and international collaboration.
The Justice Department has not launched a formal investigation, but the review underscores the heightened scrutiny that even limited gestures of so-called international solidarity can attract under American election laws.
Separately, Mamdani’s campaign has faced scrutiny over alleged foreign donations. Watchdog groups have reportedly filed criminal referrals to the Department of Justice and the Manhattan District Attorney, claiming that the campaign received more than $12,000 in questionable contributions from overseas donors. While Mamdani’s campaign denies wrongdoing, the allegations have drawn further attention to the legal boundaries governing foreign participation in U.S. political activity.
Image by Eden, Janine, and Jim.
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