Zohran Mamdani provided minimal insight when pressed during Thursday night’s mayoral debate on how he plans to fund his $10 billion in free programs for his socialist agenda, particularly with Gov. Kathy Hochul reiterating her stance against tax increases.
“Many have labeled my campaign as a non-starter from the outset, but I’m proud to stand here as the Democratic nominee who received the highest number of votes in the history of the city’s primaries,” Mamdani stated, avoiding a direct response to the inquiry.
When asked again, the progressive candidate only vaguely referenced potential savings that could be made within New York City’s budget without elaborating on how he would gather nearly 10% of the current city budget to fund his proposals.
“We have proposed a plan to reduce expenditure in New York City,” he mentioned.
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Mamdani’s campaign centers on increasing taxes on individuals earning more than $1 million, as well as corporate tax hikes.
His flagship policy for universal childcare is estimated to cost between $5 to $6 billion.
Key Highlights from the First NYC Mayoral Debate
- Cuomo challenges Mamdani over DSA’s proposal to decriminalize prostitution
- Mamdani struggles to clarify financing for $10B in ‘freebies’
- Cuomo criticizes Mamdani during debate for labeling NYPD ‘racist’
- Mamdani criticized for lack of experience during mayoral debate: ‘He has literally never had a job’
- Pressure mounts on Mamdani after he remains silent on Hamas and ‘Globalize the Intifada’
Hochul has consistent statements confirming that increasing taxes is not on her agenda as she prepares for her own election trail next year, where she anticipates a tough battle against Republican North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Mamdani was also confronted by Cuomo regarding another major aspect of his platform—freezing rent for approximately 960,600 rent-stabilized apartments throughout the city.
Cuomo asserted that the rent freeze idea is incomplete and fails to address the broader spectrum of the housing crisis facing the city.
“Freezing the rent merely delays payment,” Cuomo remarked.
He added that this freeze would not assist other renters and homeowners who are being priced out of their neighborhoods.
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Mamdani also encountered skepticism from moderators regarding his call for a rent freeze without having the latest data on rent-stabilized apartments in the city.
When asked about their individual rents, Mamdani mentioned paying $2,300 while Cuomo stated his rent is $7,800. Sliwa noted a $3,900 mortgage.
During the Mamdani campaign watch party at the East Village bar d.b.a, few seemed engaged as Cuomo elaborated on how rent freezes truly function.
Similarly, audience members were distracted as Republican contender Curtis Sliwa addressed NYCHA apartments that wouldn’t benefit from Mamdani’s freeze proposition.
Attendees were engaged in conversations, only tuning in when Mamdani spoke.
WNBC facilitated the first debate of the general mayoral election at 30 Rockefeller Center.
The three candidates are scheduled to debate again next Wednesday, with coverage from Spectrum NY1.
