Andrew Cuomo, a leading candidate in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, has expressed concerns that increasing taxes on the wealthiest residents could lead to a migration of wealthy individuals to states like Florida and Texas.
In an interview with Bloomberg Radio on Monday, Cuomo stated, “You elect a socialist who tries to give everything away free, doubles the taxes on the wealthy, and the wealthy say, ‘That’s it I’m gone.’”
He made these remarks in reference to Queens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, who is polling in second place. Mamdani, who is endorsed by the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, has proposed freezing rents and making city buses free. His plan involves raising the state’s corporate tax rate and implementing a new 2% income tax on city residents earning over $1 million. However, these initiatives would need state approval to be enacted.
Cuomo dismissed the notion of a ‘democratic socialist,’ stating, “There’s no such thing as a democratic socialist. It’s just a socialist. It’s a socialist who says dismantle the police, the police state is oppressive, everything free, free transportation, free everything, tax the rich, so there’s class warfare in there.”
Mamdani did not provide an immediate response to Cuomo’s comments.
As the June 24 Democratic primary approaches, various polls indicate Cuomo as the likely frontrunner, competing against a crowded field of at least eight serious candidates.
A victory in the New York City mayoral election would mark a significant comeback for Cuomo, 67, a member of a prominent Democratic political family. He previously served nearly three terms as governor before resigning in August 2021 amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment, which he denies.
Mamdani, a charismatic candidate and the son of Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mira Nair, has garnered support from influential figures, including US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The number of candidates in the primary increased following the federal corruption investigation into Mayor Eric Adams, who became the first sitting mayor in the city’s modern history to be indicted on federal charges. Although the Trump administration subsequently ordered those charges to be dismissed, Adams has stepped out of the Democratic primary and is running as an independent candidate in the general election.
In his recent interview, Cuomo criticized the Democratic Party for being “disconnected from the kitchen table issues.” He argued that it was not simply that President Donald Trump won the election but rather that the Democrats lost by failing to focus on fundamental concerns such as jobs, mortgages, public safety, and related issues impacting everyday life.
Cuomo accused Trump of creating chaos, suggesting, “The flipside is OK create chaos in LA, create chaos in New York, create chaos in Chicago. Pretty soon you create chaos in the nation, and that’s bad for the economy.”
Positioning himself as an experienced leader capable of solving New York City’s problems, Cuomo highlighted his governance record, which includes notable projects such as the renovation of LaGuardia Airport and the opening of the Second Avenue subway line.
However, Cuomo’s long tenure in government comes with significant baggage, particularly beyond the sexual harassment allegations that overshadowed his career. The Justice Department under Trump is currently investigating whether Cuomo lied to Congress about his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in nursing homes. Cuomo referred to the ongoing investigation as “a joke.”
Reflecting on his governorship, Cuomo mentioned his regrets over signing pro-tenant rent laws and enacting bail-reform legislation in 2019, which some law enforcement officials believe have contributed to the rise in crime following the pandemic.
His competitors have also emphasized that Cuomo spent a considerable time living outside the city until recently when he began renting an apartment in Manhattan’s East Side. Despite these criticisms and facing high negative favorability ratings, Cuomo remains the frontrunner in all polls conducted since he entered the primary.
His campaign has received significant support through endorsements from major labor unions, including the healthcare workers’ union 1199 SEIU and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. Additionally, a pro-Cuomo Super PAC named “Fix the City” has raised nearly $11 million from affluent donors, making him the best-funded candidate in the primary.
Cuomo, who hails from a political lineage with his father Mario serving three terms as governor, has opted for a limited media presence, following a so-called Rose Garden strategy that has attracted criticism from his rivals.
He has largely refrained from engaging with the press or participating in the numerous mayoral forums, which are typically crucial for candidates aiming to garner votes in the city’s Democratic primary. These forums often witness lower voter turnout, thereby providing significant influence to voters from specific neighborhoods, demographic groups, or labor unions.
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