Cuomo Critiques Mamdani’s Socialism as a Threat to NYC
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo expressed strong criticisms about mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani during an appearance on Fox News, describing him as “dangerous” and suggesting that Mamdani’s socialist agenda might signal “a confession of New York City’s death.”
Cuomo pointed out that Mamdani embodies the internal divisions among Democrats that emerged after Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The former governor believes this ongoing struggle within the party is not surprising, particularly in light of Mamdani’s connections to figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, who support his campaign.
“Primaries often enthusiasm among voters who might not typically engage, and he has gathered a lot of support from younger socialists,” Cuomo noted. This demographic, particularly those aged 20 to 30, appears to have mobilized significantly, courtesy of socialist organizations that have provided volunteers and funding.
Cuomo, who is now running as an independent candidate after losing to Mamdani in June, stated that general election voters represent a different constituency. He asserted that New Yorkers do not identify as socialists and want a thriving economy. “They’re not anti-business. They want jobs and growth,” he said.
Critiquing Mamdani and his supporters, Cuomo emphasized, “I’m against being anti-cooperative for New York City,” expressing concern over their ideas about government giveaways and taxing the wealthy, asserting that NYC was built on capitalism.
Mamdani’s campaign is proposing ambitious policies—including free public transportation and urban-owned grocery stores—funded by increased business taxes. His aim is to raise corporate tax rates to 11.5% and impose a 2% tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers.
Cuomo countered that taxing businesses more could be detrimental, claiming it might lead to what he termed a “death confession for New York City.” He maintains that enhancing growth and attracting new businesses should remain central to the city’s recovery.
“We have to bring companies back to New York,” Cuomo stressed, drawing attention to a Bloomberg study that highlighted the significant number of businesses that have relocated out of the city in recent years.
Addressing public safety and affordable housing, Cuomo pointed to rising crime as a pressing issue and expressed a desire to bolster the NYPD, aiming to add thousands of new officers. He also promised an initiative to construct 50,000 affordable housing units per year to bridge the growing demand.
While Cuomo made these statements, Fox News Digital attempted to reach Mamdani for his perspective, but he had not responded at the time of reporting.
