Zohran Mamdani made history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor — but his controversial election raised a bigger question: who’s really allowed to lead in America? Amani unpacks the firestorm around his campaign and the paradox of Muslim power: how representation becomes both a breakthrough and a backlash.

Amani Al-Khatahtbeh is the founder of the award-winning media platform MuslimGirl.com. Named by The New York Times as a “media titan,” she became the first veiled woman recognized on Forbes “30 Under 30” for her impact on digital culture and representation. Her first book, Muslim Girl: A Coming of Age, was an Editor’s Pick on The New York Times Bestsellers List.