Republican lawmakers warn Mamdani would be ‘disaster’ for NYC as mayor

Columbia University alumna and trustee Shoshana Shendelman has issued a stark warning about Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who recently won the Democratic nomination for New York City’s mayoral race. Shendelman’s concerns come at a time when the city is grappling with a surge in antisemitism.

According to Shendelman, Mamdani’s policies are “destructive” and could have dire consequences for the city if he is elected. This sentiment is echoed by Republican lawmakers in New York, who are painting Mamdani as a “disaster” waiting to happen.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, the sole Republican representing part of New York City in the House, has voiced her opposition to Mamdani, citing concerns about his socialist agenda. Malliotakis, who ran for mayor herself in 2017, believes that Mamdani’s policies could be detrimental to the city’s economy and public safety.

Another Republican lawmaker, Rep. Mike Lawler, has suggested that Mamdani’s candidacy could potentially benefit the Republican party in New York. Lawler called on Democrats to take a stand on Mamdani’s platform, which he described as radical and dangerous.

Moderate Democrats, including Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi, have also expressed concerns about Mamdani’s extreme views. However, some high-ranking Democratic officials, such as Sen. Chuck Schumer, have offered tacit support for the mayoral hopeful.

Mamdani’s campaign platform includes controversial proposals such as freezing rent prices for rent-controlled apartments, creating city-owned grocery stores, and eliminating bus fares. He has also endorsed legalizing sex work and limiting police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Despite the backlash from Republicans and some moderate Democrats, former Mayor Bill de Blasio has downplayed concerns about Mamdani’s policies. De Blasio believes that Mamdani’s ideas are not as radical as they seem and that the city will not see a mass exodus if he is elected.

As the mayoral race heats up, it remains to be seen how Mamdani’s candidacy will impact the political landscape in New York City. With Republicans and Democrats divided over his platform, the outcome of the election could have far-reaching implications for the city’s future.