Years before Mayor Zoran Mamdani chose Thea Weaver to lead the Office of Tenant Protection, Democratic state Rep. Kalman Yeager mentioned that the New York City Council had previously deemed her too radical for a position on the influential city planning commission.
Mamdani didn’t retract Weaver’s appointment, despite some concerns echoing those of fellow City Council members back in 2021. This included her resurfaced remarks labeling homeownership a “weapon of white supremacy” and suggesting that real estate should be viewed as a “collective good.”
In response to the controversy, Yeager remarked, “It would be easier to nominate a communist to a position that doesn’t require confirmation.” He recounted that four years earlier, her name was put forward for the City Planning Commission. Many council members expressed strong disapproval, leading to her nomination being withdrawn.
In an interview, representatives from the New York Democratic Party conveyed that Weaver’s past comments from 2017 to 2021, while not usually contentious, prompted the City Council to pressure the Public Advocate into withdrawing her nomination, after which Weaver opted to recuse herself.
Yeager reflected, “We learned more about this person, but from my perspective, it was some of the more outrageous comments she made, not just her political philosophy, that raised red flags. Saying that homeownership is a form of white supremacy seems absurd, frankly. I’d be shocked if many Black, Latino, and Caribbean American voters, who have fought for their piece of New York and aimed to build middle-class lives, were seen as participating in white supremacy for seeking to own a home.”
While addressing her controversial remarks, Weaver expressed regret about “some” of her past statements, though she didn’t specify which ones. As a seasoned housing activist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, she faced backlash, including from former Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, who expressed concerns regarding her views.
Weaver stated, “I don’t think you’re crazy,” asserting that some remarks certainly don’t reflect how she would phrase things today, and she feels regret for those. Although she did not clarify the specific comments she regretted, she emphasized her commitment to addressing “racial inequality” while serving New Yorkers.
Weaver believes her years of advocacy for more affordable housing carry weight. “I’m proud to be in this role fighting for stronger tenant rights,” she said. “For years, people have been shut out of the real estate market, leading to systemic and racial inequities.” She emphasized her focus is on ensuring everyone has access to safe and affordable housing, regardless of whether they rent or own.
