Support for Mayor-elect’s Tax Plans Grows Among State Lawmakers

Democratic state lawmakers are showing some openness to the tax increase proposals from Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani. Supporters suggest that politicians who resist his left-leaning policies may encounter significant challenges ahead.

Mamdani aims to impose higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations to generate $9 billion, which would help him keep his ambitious campaign promises. However, the implementation of these tax hikes rests in the hands of Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature.

Governor Hochul, who will be seeking re-election in 2026, has voiced her opposition to Mamdani’s plan. Despite this, two prominent state Democrats seemed willing to entertain the idea of raising taxes just one day after Mamdani’s mayoral victory.

State Senator James Skoufis, a Democrat from Hudson Valley, expressed a willingness to consider small tax increases on billionaires, provided some of the new revenue could help reduce taxes for working-class families in New York. He refrained from commenting specifically about the proposed corporate tax increase.

Senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), who chairs the Finance Committee and supported Mamdani in September, stated she is keeping an open mind regarding the situation.

Krueger highlighted the upcoming challenges facing both New York City and the state, emphasizing her readiness to explore options that serve the nearly 20 million residents of New York.

Hochul is facing pressure from party members and Mamdani’s supporters to adopt a more progressive stance on taxation. At a pre-election rally for Mamdani, supporters could be heard chanting “Tax the rich!”

Councilwoman Jennifer Rajkumar, who serves a diverse constituency in Queens, seems less enthusiastic about Mamdani’s tax agenda.

Although Mamdani won his constituency with 53% of the vote, Rajkumar noted that he needs to unite a divided electorate, stating she’s committed to working with him to find funding solutions that won’t hamper New York’s competitiveness or lead to job losses.

A former aide to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggested that Mamdani and his team should hold Democrats accountable in primaries if their policies on affordability don’t align with his. He implied that if Hochul fails to address the needed changes, AOC could consider running for governor.

“Politicians understand the weight of the ballot box,” he added, “sending a message through successful challenges highlights the consequences of ignoring party alignment.”