Republican Criticizes Party’s Defunding Push After NYC Mayoral Election

The only Republican representative from New York City is calling out her party’s plans to defund the city following the election of Zoran Mamdani as mayor. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis expressed her discontent with these actions, emphasizing that they are not to be taken lightly. “We will fight back,” she told FOX News Digital.

Malliotakis noted that as the sole Republican voice for the city in Washington, she feels a responsibility to advocate for her constituents. “My voters didn’t choose Zoran Mamdani, yet there are those in Washington who want to punish an entire city for the misguided choices of a few,” she added.

This response follows the introduction of a new bill by Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter, dubbed the American Transfer of Funds Act—or Mamdani’s Act—that aims to cut federal funds for New York City during Mamdani’s tenure.

The bill stipulates that all unobligated federal funds for the city would be canceled while Mamdani serves as mayor. It’s set to be presented officially soon.

Malliotakis specifically criticized Carter’s proposal, calling it “laughable.” She pointed out that it disregards the hardworking taxpayers in New York City, many of whom did not support Mamdani.

She also emphasized that New York City contributes significant federal tax revenue and reiterated that federal funds play a crucial role in national priorities like education and security.

Moreover, she highlighted that those who support such legislation should refrain from soliciting donations in the city. “If they’re going to sponsor a bill that’s hostile to our city, they shouldn’t be coming to collect money from our residents,” she stated.

Mamdani, a socialist, was elected as the mayor of the largest city in the U.S., winning significant support in areas of Brooklyn and parts of the Bronx and Queens, although he secured just over 50% of the total vote.

Conversely, Malliotakis’s district largely backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo. She noted that her constituents favored Republican Curtis Sliwa, who received a mere 10% of the vote due to the party’s alignment with Cuomo.

Malliotakis voiced her concern over cutting basic funding for essential services, emphasizing that they shouldn’t be affected due to political disagreements over socialism. She stated, “To say that basic funding for things that every person in America needs will be cut off is ridiculous.”

Carter replied, framing Malliotakis as the last defense against socialism and agreeing that public funds should not support policies she opposes. He stated, “The Mamdani Act makes that clear, unambiguous, and simple.”

With internal divisions among House Republicans surfacing, it may signal further tensions as the socialist administration takes charge. Many Republicans are preparing to leverage Mamdani’s win against the left, but targeting New York City could create friction with representatives from the area.