AhlulBayt News Agency: Following his primary victory, New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani publicly declared his anti-capitalist stance, saying on NBC’s Meet the Press that “we shouldn’t have billionaires.” The 33-year-old Muslim Democratic Socialist of Indian descent has pledged to raise taxes on the rich.
Mamdani’s campaign centered on making life more affordable in New York by taxing the wealthy. His proposals include free bus service, universal childcare, a $30 minimum wage, and rent freezes.
He believes the tax burden should be shifted to more expensive homes, particularly in affluent, predominantly white neighborhoods. In his view, excessive wealth amid stark inequality undermines social fairness.
Despite his sharp critique of the ultra-rich, Mamdani expressed willingness to collaborate with all New Yorkers, including billionaires, to make the city more equitable.
His remarks stirred concern among the city’s wealthy circles as his position as the Democratic nominee became increasingly likely. However, his inclusive, grassroots campaign resonated with voters seeking progressive change.
Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary, a development seen by experts as a major shift in the city’s political landscape and a win for progressive forces.
In his victory speech, Mamdani vowed to make the city safer, more affordable, and more responsive to the needs of ordinary people.
U.S. President Donald Trump attacked Mamdani as a “pure communist” and threatened to cut off federal funds to the city if he is elected mayor.
Mamdani, originally from a Muslim Indian family in Kampala, Uganda, denied the communist label and said he is prepared to handle such political attacks. He moved to New York in 1998, attended the Bronx High School of Science, and later studied African Studies at Bowdoin College.
A member of the New York State Assembly since 2021, Mamdani co-founded a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter in college. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, teaches at Columbia, and his mother, Mira Nair, is a noted film director. He is married to Syrian artist Rama Duwaji.
Mamdani has publicly accused the Israeli government of genocide in Gaza and has called for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrest. At the same time, he emphasized that antisemitism has no place in New York and pledged greater funding to fight hate crimes.
His rival Cuomo, by contrast, calls himself a strong supporter of Israel. Analysts say the issues raised in New York mirror national tensions within the Democratic Party and may preview future electoral strategies against Trump.
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