NYS Dems consider Mamdani’s tax plan amidst primary threats

Democratic state lawmakers are beginning to entertain Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s proposal for tax hikes on millionaires and corporations, aimed at generating $9 billion to realize his ambitious campaign promises. While Mamdani’s plan aligns with a progressive agenda, its actualization depends heavily on Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature’s collaboration. Hochul, who is seeking re-election in 2026, has openly expressed her disfavor for such tax increases.On the day after Mamdani’s election, two prominent state Democrats indicated a potential openness to tax increases. State Senator James Skoufis conveyed conditional support, emphasizing the importance of directing some new revenues towards tax relief for working-class New Yorkers. Meanwhile, Senator Liz Krueger, who chairs the finance committee and endorsed Mamdani before his victory, expressed her willingness to explore options to address the challenges facing the state and its residents.

Pressure is mounting on Hochul from the progressive faction within her party to adopt a more left-leaning stance on taxation. At a pre-election rally for Mamdani, supporters vocally advocated for taxing the wealthy. This indicates the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party, with Mamdani’s supporters pushing for a more radical approach to fiscal policy.

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, who represents a diverse district in Queens, remained non-committal regarding Mamdani’s tax strategy, acknowledging the mixed sentiment in her district, where he won with only 53% of the vote. She emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to finding funding solutions without compromising New York’s economic competitiveness.

Strategists aligned with Mamdani, such as Corbyn Trent, are invoking the concept of primary challenges against Democrats who resist the proposed progressive changes. This tactic is geared towards galvanizing support for a more affordable agenda, suggesting significant political consequences for those who oppose Mamdani’s vision, thereby highlighting the urgency for the party to align with its base.