In a surprising turn of events, just hours after Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani won New York’s mayoral primary, a gathering of influential business leaders met with Mayor Eric Adams.
Rather than contesting the Democratic primary, Adams is set to run as an independent in the general election, and the meeting focused on strategies to prevent Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assembly member, from taking the mayoralty.
Attendees, including former NYC mayoral candidate Whitney Tilson, expressed concerns over Mamdani’s policies.
Tilson, who recently debated Mamdani, described him as ‘very charming and charismatic’ but vehemently opposed his policies, referring to the primary process as a ‘totally rigged closed primary.’
He stated his intentions to work tirelessly in the next 130 days to ensure that ‘an unqualified radical socialist’ like Mamdani does not become mayor.
Alongside Tilson, several moderate-minded Democrats are reportedly collaborating on strategies to counter Mamdani’s candidacy.
Sources indicate that centrist attorney Jim Walden, running as an independent, is being considered as a potential spoiler candidate against Mamdani.
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, known for previously supporting Donald Trump, vowed to financially support any viable challenger to Mamdani come November.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, emphasized the necessity of devising strategies to ‘save New York’ following Mamdani’s primary victory, labeling it as ‘disastrous.’
However, former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio expressed skepticism about the establishment’s concerns, asserting that serious supporters of Mamdani are more concerned about the unknown aspects of the upcoming general election rather than threats from the business community.
De Blasio highlighted that, contrary to the claims of extremism targeting Mamdani, the strong voter margins from the primary results would counter such narratives.
He articulated a belief that ‘you can’t be extreme if such a clear majority want you,’ adding that Mamdani’s victory has dispelled unfair stereotypes against him.
In a proactive move, Mamdani is not shying away from engaging with the business sector.
Kathryn Wylde, a prominent New York powerbroker, reported that Mamdani reached out to discuss his economic policies, recognizing that many executives in her network are concerned about them.
Wylde has organized a meeting for Mamdani with over 300 executives from the Partnership for the City to foster better communication and understanding surrounding economic issues.
Despite these discussions, Mamdani’s campaign emphasized its commitment to serving all New Yorkers, stating, ‘Zohran’s committed to delivering an administration of excellence that delivers an affordable and safe city for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected.’
Mark Gorton, a notable figure in New York’s tech and activist scene, openly admitted his disenchantment with former Governor Andrew Cuomo, stating he had supported Cuomo’s super PAC because he wanted to be involved but expressed relief that he lost.
Gorton believes both Mamdani and previous primary challenger Brad Lander more closely align with his advocacy goals.
However, when it came to funding Mamdani’s campaign, Gorton hesitated, remarking, ‘He doesn’t need my money. Money doesn’t always make a difference.’
In Congress, reactions toward Mamdani remain mixed among New York’s Democratic delegation.
While Senator Kirsten Gillibrand refrained from endorsing any candidate, expressing a focus on Albany, other Congress members are more open to Mamdani.
For instance, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Mamdani’s primary success and his focus on affordability.
Some members, like Rep. Tom Suozzi, have voiced their skepticism on Mamdani’s ability to lead, expressing serious concerns about his platform.
In contrast, Rep. Jerry Nadler, who initially backed a rival, has shifted his stance to endorse Mamdani in the general election.
In a surprising endorsement, former President Bill Clinton also conveyed his support for Mamdani, wishing him success in uniting New Yorkers.
Political analysts are weighing in on the implications of Mamdani’s candidacy, with strategist Lis Smith critiquing centrists for their previous support of Cuomo.
She believes their actions have contributed to the governor’s downfall, suggesting that they are now attempting to suppress a grassroots movement that they themselves helped inadvertently foster.
As the election season progresses, it remains to be seen how effectively Mamdani can respond to these challenges and how the political landscape will evolve leading up to November.
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