Zohran Mamdani, who recently won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, has vowed to increase property taxes in what he calls “whiter neighbourhoods” as part of his broader economic plan.
The 33-year-old Democratic Socialist defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s primary, securing the party’s nomination for the November general election. Following his upset victory, new information has emerged highlighting the more radical aspects of his platform — including a pledge to “shift the tax burden” toward wealthier, predominantly white areas of the city.
On his campaign website, a housing policy memo titled “Supporting homeowners and ending deed theft” outlines his proposed tax overhaul. It states that, if elected, Mamdani plans to “shift the tax burden from overtaxed homeowners in the outer boroughs to more expensive homes in richer and whiter neighbourhoods.”
The memo criticizes the current structure of the city’s property tax system, calling it unfair and outdated. “The property tax system is unbalanced because assessment levels are artificially capped, so homeowners in expensive neighbourhoods pay less than their fair share,” the document says.
According to the proposal, Black and Latino neighborhoods — including Jamaica, Brownsville, and Tremont — bear a heavier tax load than affluent areas, due to a decades-old law passed in 1981. That law allows property taxes to be based on imputed rental income instead of market value, which benefits high-value properties in wealthier areas.
As a result, properties of significantly higher value in upscale neighborhoods often pay far less in property tax than modest homes in lower-income communities. For example, Bloomberg reports that a $2.15 million home in Williamsburg could carry a $157 annual tax bill, while a $234,840 home in the Bronx might owe $3,917 each year.
Mamdani, who identifies as “anti-Zionist” and strongly supports the Palestinian cause, recently faced criticism for refusing to condemn the slogan “globalise the intifada,” a move that led to backlash within his own party. Democratic Congresswoman Laura Gillen called his stance part of a “deeply disturbing pattern of unacceptable anti-Semitic comments.”
Beyond his tax proposals, Mamdani has put forward a slate of progressive policy ideas, including the creation of municipally run grocery stores, universal free childcare, and tax increases on all individuals earning more than $1 million annually. These proposals have stirred alarm among members of New York’s business community.
Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York City — an organization representing major employers and industries — said the corporate sector is “terrified” by Mamdani’s rapid political ascent.
Mamdani has also made headlines for calling capitalism “theft” and for expressing support for efforts to “defund the police” following the Black Lives Matter protests.
Since his primary win, the race for City Hall has grown increasingly contentious. Republicans have circulated inflammatory messages targeting Mamdani’s Muslim identity and immigration background.
“Zohran ‘little Muhammad’ Mamdani is an anti-Semitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great city of New York,” posted Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles on X. “He needs to be DEPORTED. Which is why I am calling for him to be subject to denaturalisation proceedings.”
{Matzav.com}