Politics
REPORT: Top Mamdani Ally Backtracks, Throws Cold Water On Socialist Agenda
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is now having doubts on the likely next officeholder, Zohran Mamdani, despite being an enthusiastic backer of his campaign, according to a report from the Times Of London. The former mayor specifically pointed to the hefty price tag associated with Mamdani’s vast expansion of social programs, which he reportedly outlined while speaking with a reporter.
Mamdani, a state assemblyman representing parts of Queens, secured the Democratic nomination earlier this year with a platform centered on progressive initiatives, including free public bus service and universal childcare. These programs are estimated to cost more than $7 billion annually, with funding projected through budget cuts targeting waste and increased taxes on high-income earners and corporations.
De Blasio, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2021, had previously endorsed Mamdani in a September op-ed, praising his “bold, sweeping” agenda as a potential lifeline for the city. In that piece, de Blasio wrote, “We don’t just need Zohran Mamdani to be our mayor because he has the right ideas, or because they can be achieved.”
He also appeared at a recent protest wearing a “Hot Girls for Zohran” T-shirt, underscoring his early enthusiasm.
However, in the recent interview with The Times, de Blasio appeared to backtrack. “In my view, the math doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, and the political hurdles are substantial,” he said. The former mayor added, “While the ambition is admirable, the cost estimates — reportedly exceeding $7 billion annually — rest on optimistic assumptions… about eliminating waste and raising revenue through new taxes.”
When asked for comment by the New York Post, de Blasio denied speaking with the reporter. “I never talked to that reporter and I never said those things.”
He went on to reiterate his support for Mamandai’s campaign. “I believe in Zohran and his vision, which I’ve said publicly many times,” he added before calling on The Times to issue a retraction. The outlet has not yet responded to de Blasio’s rebuttal.
Mamdani is heavily favored to become the next mayor of New York City, as he continues to lead in nearly all recent polls outside a couple notable outliers.
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, a former de Blasio ally, has shifted his support to independent candidate and ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, campaigning alongside him this week. De Blasio had informed Adams of his September endorsement in advance but noted he would have backed Adams had he remained in the Democratic primary.
