The Candidates and the State of the Race
New York City’s mayoral race has turned into a political earthquake. With Election Day approaching, three men remain: Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. According to multiple polls, Mamdani has surged to a commanding lead—up by as much as 15 to 20 points over Cuomo, with Sliwa trailing in a distant third. President Trump has told allies that Mamdani is “unbeatable,” noting that “it’s really a question of would I rather have a Democrat or a communist—and I’d rather have a Democrat than a communist.”
At 34 years old, Mamdani has successfully captured the anger and disillusionment of many New Yorkers who feel priced out of their own city. His message of economic “justice” and affordability has resonated across younger and lower-income voters. He presents himself as the champion of the working class, though critics – including Trump and Cuomo – warn that his agenda would devastate the city’s economy.
Victory Insights polling shows that Mamdani’s lead has hardened: 46.7% of likely voters back him compared to 28.6% for Cuomo and 16.2% for Sliwa. Even among Democrats, nearly one-third admit they fear his policies could “pose a threat to the future of the city.” Yet the same voters appear ready to elect him anyway—proof, perhaps, of the old saying that “democracy works until the people find out they can vote themselves more money.”
Mamdani’s Promises for New York
Mamdani’s campaign rests on a sweeping platform that would remake the city’s economy from top to bottom. Here are his key promises. Remember these are coming from a socialist, who has no idea how to do any of these, except to massively raise taxes. Socialist programs ALWAYS fail.
Free Child Care for All
Mamdani proposes free daycare for every New York child aged six weeks to five years. The program would cost about $6 billion annually and remove all income restrictions. Critics call it unaffordable; supporters say it’s a moral investment in families.
A Four-Year Rent Freeze
He wants to halt rent increases for nearly one million rent-stabilized apartments, covering about two million residents. While the mayor can’t unilaterally freeze rents, Mamdani could appoint a Rent Guidelines Board to enforce it. Landlord groups warn it could push smaller owners into foreclosure and drive up market rents.
Free Bus Service
He vows to eliminate bus fares, claiming it would save riders $2,000 a year and cost the city under $800 million. A previous state pilot program produced mixed results, with slower travel times despite higher ridership.
A $30 Minimum Wage
Mamdani calls for raising the minimum wage from $16.50 to $30 by 2030, giving New York the highest wage floor in the nation. Economists warn that such an increase could accelerate automation and small-business closures, but his campaign insists it will reduce poverty.
City-Owned Grocery Stores
He proposes a network of government-run groceries exempt from rent and property taxes, designed to undercut private competitors and sell at wholesale prices. Detractors see echoes of failed socialist experiments elsewhere.
A Tax Revolution
Mamdani wants $9 billion in new taxes on the wealthy and corporations, including a 2% surcharge on incomes over $1 million and an 11.5% corporate tax rate to match New Jersey’s. He claims he’ll also save $1 billion annually through audits and contract reform. The catch: as mayor, he has no power to raise state taxes and would need Albany’s cooperation.
Critics Warn of Economic Collapse and Rising Antisemitism
Opposition to Mamdani stretches far beyond economics. His harsh criticism of Israel has drawn condemnation from Jewish leaders and columnists who warn he could inflame antisemitism in an already tense city. “Zohran Mamdani poses a danger to the security of the New York Jewish community,” said Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue. Editorialists have accused him of being “an antisemite in progressive clothing” who supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and refuses to condemn calls to “globalize the intifada.”
Even some Jewish Democrats are breaking ranks. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has poured $1 million into a super PAC to stop Mamdani, calling him a “serious danger to the city.” Yet polls show up to 38% of Jewish voters still plan to support him.
Trump’s Take on the Race
President Trump, who once built his real-estate empire in New York, has openly mocked the city’s drift toward socialism. “If New York wants to vote for a communist, that’s their business,” he said. “But they’ll get what they deserve.” Trump has threatened to freeze federal funding if Mamdani wins, already halting $18 billion in infrastructure money. Behind closed doors, he’s told aides that Mamdani’s victory would be “a gift to the Republican Party,” proving the self-destructive nature of liberal governance.
The Coming Exodus
A recent Victory Insights poll revealed that 26.5% of New Yorkers are considering leaving the city if Mamdani wins. Nearly 40% believe his policies would threaten New York’s future. “The city is nearing an inflection point,” the report warned, “one that could reshape New York for years to come.”
If those numbers hold, New York could soon experience another wave of outmigration, as businesses and families flee high taxes, rent controls, and crumbling public order.
Mamdani’s triumph seems nearly certain, but the cost of that victory may be enormous. With his blend of utopian promises and radical economics, he represents a test of how far New York’s voters are willing to go down the socialist path.
If he wins, as even Trump believes he will, the city may soon learn that the old warning still rings true: Democracy lasts only until voters discover they can vote themselves more money.
NP Editor: If New York votes Mandami in, then they deserve what they get. And if they do, that means that NYC is in much worse shape than anyone thought, that society there is rotten inside and ready to break.
If Democrats are asleep at the wheel, then they deserve to lose their power base. They may be able to prevent Mandami from doing too much damage but it maybe better if he is able to run wild, so that we know the real damage a socialist can do and know better in the future.
