If Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral race, his tenure in office could become a blueprint for blue states and left-leaning politicians everywhere. The self-described “champagne socialist” ticks off every progressive box with his ambitious campaign promises.
Does any of this sound familiar? Mamdani vows to provide free buses, universal childcare from 5 weeks to 5 years old, and city-run grocery stores. But who would foot the bill? According to Mamdani, it’s the rich — the usual boogeyman and ATM of socialist proposals. As reported by the New York Post, he plans to cover the estimated $10 billion price tag by raising taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations.
Mamdani also seeks to freeze rents on rent-stabilized apartments. How landlords would manage necessary repairs and maintenance under such a freeze remains unclear. Additionally, he supports continuing congestion pricing and doesn’t just approve of sanctuary city laws — he wants to strengthen them.
His message has gained traction among voters frustrated by high prices and eager for “free” services funded by others. However, a significant portion of New Yorkers are not on board with the “Zohran train.”
According to a poll conducted by JL Partners for the Daily Mail, nearly one million New Yorkers are preparing to leave the city if Mamdani wins. The survey found that 9% of the city’s 8.5 million residents would “definitely” leave, while another 25% — approximately 2.12 million people — would “consider” moving away.
Such a mass exodus would be devastating for the city’s economy. Here’s the kicker: 7% of New Yorkers earning over $250,000 said they would definitely leave under a Mamdani administration. Keep in mind, the city’s top 1% of earners pay about half of its income taxes. Plus, companies could seek friendlier tax environments elsewhere.
So, how would Mamdani “soak the rich” to pay for his ambitious programs if high earners and businesses flee? Who will fund his wishlist of 200,000 affordable housing units? And would a Mamdani-led New York even be attractive to developers?
Beyond the policy implications and potential consequences, Mamdani’s stance on sensitive issues has also drawn attention. He has refused to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada” during his campaign, yet insists he would be a mayor who “protects Jewish New Yorkers” if elected.
We’ve witnessed the reality behind “globalizing the intifada,” as attacks on Jews have surged since the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre. During a “Meet the Press” interview over the summer, Mamdani danced around the topic. “That’s not language that I use,” he said. “The language that I use and the language that I will continue to use to lead this city is that which speaks clearly to my intent, which is an intent grounded in a belief in universal human rights.”
Mamdani has also revised his earlier harsh critique of the police. In 2020, he called them “racist,” “wicked,” and “corrupt,” and supported defunding the NYPD. Last month, he offered a mea culpa on Fox News. “I apologize because of the fact that I’m looking to work with these officers. And I know that these officers, these men and women who serve in the NYPD, they put their lives on the line every single day,” he told Martha MacCallum.
Spoken like a true politician.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/04/editorial-why-some-new-yorkers-are-eying-the-exits-if-mamdani-wins/
