House Republicans are reportedly weighing a controversial move to prevent New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani from taking office if he wins Tuesday’s election. According to reports from the New York Post, some party members and conservative groups are exploring the use of the 14th Amendment’s “insurrection clause” — a rarely used provision that bars individuals who have allegedly supported rebellion against the United States from serving in public office.

The discussion is being led in part by the New York Young Republican Club, which argues that some of Mamdani’s past activism and public remarks could fall under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. This section was originally written after the Civil War to prevent Confederate officials from returning to power

In recent years, it has resurfaced in national debates concerning eligibility for certain political figures accused of undermining democratic institutions. Mamdani, a progressive Democrat and state assemblyman from Queens, has not been accused of any crime and has dismissed the claims as politically motivated. His campaign stated that the attempt is an effort to “disqualify a candidate based on disagreement, not evidence.”

Legal experts note that enforcing Section 3 would require substantial proof and would likely face strong constitutional challenges. As New York City heads into a closely watched election, the controversy adds a new layer of tension to an already charged political climate. For now, Mamdani remains on the ballot, and voters will decide his future at the polls.