Cuomo Warns Against Socialism Ahead of Election

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo reminded business leaders on Wednesday that socialism has not succeeded in New York City. This remark came as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive activists opposed Amazon’s plans to build its headquarters in Queens.

Speaking at the New York Business Mayors Forum, just weeks before Election Day, Cuomo criticized the potential impact of Democratic mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani’s policies on the city’s economy. “We are not socialists,” he stated. He highlighted the earlier loss of the Amazon project, which would have created 50,000 jobs, claiming it represented the dangers of socialist ideology.

“New York City is at a critical juncture,” Cuomo declared, suggesting it could either “decrease dramatically” under Mamdani or “revitalize.”

Cuomo disparaged Mamdani’s promise of providing free services funded by tax hikes as “pure ideological fantasy.” He asserted that socialism lacks a place in New York, which he described as a “financial and commercial capital” thriving within a regulated capitalist framework.

During Cuomo’s tenure, he had actively pursued Amazon to establish its second headquarters in Long Island City, even offering significant incentives to secure the deal. However, the proposal was met with escalating backlash from community activists and progressive politicians like Ocasio-Cortez, who rejected the estimated $2.5 billion in incentives.

Ocasio-Cortez emphasized, “What I don’t want is for our public funds to support giveaway helipads for Amazon and billionaire tycoons,” pointing to underfunded public services as a higher priority.

In 2019, Amazon ultimately opted not to proceed with its Long Island City headquarters, citing a lack of support from state and local politicians. Job Creators Network CEO Alfredo Ortiz criticized Ocasio-Cortez’s role in the abandoned deal, arguing that it cost the city thousands of promising jobs and sent a discouraging message to potential employers.

Mamdani, addressing the same forum, quoted Jeff Bezos on the necessity of being willing to be misunderstood in the pursuit of innovation. He expressed his commitment to implementing policies aimed at raising taxes on businesses and the wealthy to fund initiatives like free public transport and childcare.

This ambitious agenda has led to doubts in the business sector, with Cuomo seizing on this skepticism. He urged business leaders on Wednesday to help New York reclaim its status as the greatest city on earth.

Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez did not respond to requests for comment following the forum.