Mayor Zoran Mamdani Returns to Albany
ALBANY — Zoran Mamdani made his first appearance in Albany as mayor, casually strolling through the town with a cup in hand.
The former state legislator embraced his new position by attending Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the Union address in the capital, where he also lobbied for state support of progressive initiatives in New York City.
“I’m urging all of Albany’s partners to not just fund the city’s daily operations but also to back policies that enhance affordability,” Mamdani stated.
“New York City undeniably needs an increase in revenue streams. We’ve inherited a budget that is poorly managed on multiple levels,” he told reporters. “Our city is essential in supporting the state, which stems from the previous administration’s decisions.”
“We must secure resources to address both affordability measures and our budgetary requirements,” he added.
Mamdani, identifying as a democratic socialist, was elected to the Queens legislature in 2020 and served until his mayoral candidacy in 2025, shifting perspectives within the city-state’s power structure.
Mayors of New York City have sought additional financial support from Albany for years, with Mamdani being the latest to join that effort.
When questioned about whether he would encourage Hochul to increase taxes, he emphasized the need for Albany’s support in funding both city operations and his “affordability policies.”
“I think raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and the most profitable corporations is crucial,” he remarked.
Mamdani also pointed out the mismanagement that has persisted under past administrations. “This reflects the former governor’s approach to making New York City even more unequal in terms of spending,” he said, offering strong criticism of former Mayor Eric Adams and ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Mamdani had triumphantly defeated Cuomo in the fiercely contested 2025 mayoral race.
