Mamdani Slammed For Going To Luxury Resort Days After Election

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is facing sharp backlash for attending a lavish political conference in Puerto Rico just days after his election victory — and amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Rep. Mike Lawler, (R-NY) blasted Mamdani’s decision to join other Democrats at the annual SOMOS Conference in San Juan, saying it shows where his priorities truly lie.

“If Zohran Mamdani is truly serious about helping working families, he wouldn’t be jetting off to a luxury resort the moment he wins an election,” Lawler told Fox News.

According to Politico and City & State, Mamdani is scheduled to attend a cocktail reception hosted by New York Attorney General Letitia James at the event, held at the upscale El Caribe Hilton — a hotel described on its website as an “iconic beachfront paradise.” The property features “17 acres of tropical landscaping, nine restaurants, island-inspired rooms, spa, and oceanfront pool complex, all right on the beach.”

Fox News reported that it obtained an invitation confirming Mamdani’s attendance at the Thursday evening reception. The conference’s itinerary includes multiple luncheons and panels such as “Celebrating Human Services Together” and “Workforce Development Through Rising Communities,” with the final day capped off by a “Toes in the Sand Beachfront Party.”

Lawler didn’t hold back, questioning whether other top Democrats — including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Gov. Kathy Hochul — planned to join Mamdani at the tropical retreat.

“If so, why? Who’s looking out for New Yorkers while they’re on the beach?” Lawler asked.

He went on to accuse the state’s Democratic leadership of being disconnected from everyday struggles back home, where families continue to face soaring costs and uncertainty amid the ongoing shutdown.

“It’s a disgrace — and why New Yorkers are leaving this state in droves,” Lawler continued. “I’m calling on every reporter covering SOMOS to demand answers from these Democrats. Ask them why they’re partying in Puerto Rico while New Yorkers are suffering through an affordability crisis and a government shutdown. The public deserves to know where their priorities really lie.”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) was reportedly invited but is not attending, according to Lawler.

The SOMOS conference, which draws lawmakers, union leaders, and lobbyists from across New York, has long been seen as a political power mixer — an unofficial post-election retreat for state and city insiders. Both parties have attended in past years, but this year’s gathering is drawing heightened scrutiny given the economic uncertainty facing the state and nation. The timing couldn’t be worse for Mamdani, a self-described socialist who campaigned on fighting inequality and championing working families.

Mamdani’s victory on Tuesday over Republican Curtis Sliwa and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo made him one of the youngest mayors in modern city history. His campaign was rooted in promises to make housing more affordable, strengthen public services, and stand up to corporate interests — themes that resonated with progressive activists but now appear at odds with his attendance at a tropical political event.

Meanwhile, Democrats attending SOMOS are reportedly in high spirits following their statewide gains and Cuomo’s second blowout loss. According to Politico, the mood this year is far more upbeat than in 2024, when President Donald Trump’s landslide win cast a somber tone over the same conference.

For Mamdani, however, the optics are already proving to be a headache. As the shutdown drags on and thousands of New Yorkers wait for paychecks, the image of their newly elected mayor sipping cocktails on a Caribbean beach may be one that lingers far longer than the conference itself.

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