Comments from the progressive candidate come just days after his presumed victory in the Democratic primary over former government Andrew Cuomo.
Who is Zohran Mamdani? 33-year-old could become the first Muslim NYC mayor
Presumed Democratic candidate Zoran Mamdani is New York City’s first Muslim mayor and will become its first Asian American mayor.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic primary winner to become mayor of New York City, told NBC News on June 29 that he doesn’t think there’s a billionaire in “Meet the Press.”
Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, was asked directly whether “a billionaire has the right to exist,” replied, “Frankly, I don’t think we should have a billionaire because it’s a lot of money in such an inequality moment.”
The political startup comments come days after his shocking major democratic victory over former New York governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani campaigned with a radical vision of rebuilding the city that many saw as the rich and powerful Mecca of the world.
“What we need in the end is equality across cities, states and countries,” Mamdani told Meet the press. “We look forward to working with everyone, including billionaires, to create a fair city for all of us.”
His comments on the wealthiest people travel across the United States on their “Oligarchy of the Battle” tour, as Senators Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senators Bernie Sanders, some of his closest allies.
The New York State Legislature members’ platform has encouraged progressives with plans that include a promise to freeze rent in regulated apartments and make buses free.
He also supports a 2% tax on residents that raises the corporate tax rate to 11.5%, exceeding $1 million a year. But he would not have the authority to raise taxes as mayor.
Mamdani, 33, has not stated plans to take money from the billionaire.
The predominance of the young left candidates surprised the rich, politically active donors. Super PAC Backing Cuomo spent $24 million. Many of them grew up with Trump donors such as hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and real estate executive Stephen Ross, as well as former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Cuomo is expected to remain on the mayor’s vote in November, USA Today reported earlier. Current Mayor Eric Adams will face Mamdani as an independent.
